Or, Have Thumbs, Will Travel. Van Sant's adaptation of Tom Robbins'
1960s classic is gorgeously silly. With a polka'n'yodelling
soundtrack by kd lang, and the participation of Angie Dickinson,
Cowgirls is one of the most remarkable 'lesbian' movies ever.
Hitchhiker Sissy Hankshaw (Thurman) has outsize itchy thumbs, which
end her up on a feminine hygiene ranch where cowgirl Bonanza Jellybean
(Rain Phoenix) goes wild for her. Even a ridiculous plot involving
whooping cranes, an asthmatic Keanu Reeves, a mysterious Chinaman and
John Hurt in drag doesn't really detract from the freewheeeling 1960s
zaniness.
