With just two directing experiences, Maggie Gyllenhaal has managed to upend female stereotypes in cinema that have persisted for over a century. "The Lost Daughter" questions the dark sides of motherhood and societal expectations of women, while "The Bride" grants autonomy and will to the Bride of Frankenstein. Gyllenhaal was honored with the Presidency Award at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival for these achievements.

Gyllenhaal aims to create significant change in the representation of women in cinema. With "The Lost Daughter," she delves deeper into the concept of motherhood, paving the way for questioning the roles society imposes on women. This film shows audiences that motherhood is not just about happy moments, but also a complex experience filled with emotions and challenges.

On the other hand, "The Bride" reinterprets a classic story from a modern perspective, emphasizing the power of the female character to write her own narrative. Gyllenhaal argues that women have the ability to make their own choices in this film and that such themes should have a greater presence in cinema. This approach inspires audiences to empower women and find their own voices.

Gyllenhaal states that she does not aim to break taboos in these projects, but rather seeks to create a space for expressing her own experiences. This attitude sparks an important discussion about the need for greater representation of women in the film industry. Gyllenhaal's works serve as an example for future female directors.