Lea Seydoux becomes the latest critique of Hollywood’s treatment of actresses. Earlier, several prominent women have come forward to speak about the unfair attitude of the movie industry to women. The 38-year-old actress, who has made a name in both French and Hollywood movies, added that working as a woman in Europe is much easier than in America.
Lea Seydoux has recently made headlines after being spotted in the role of Lady Margot Fenring in Dennis Villeneuve’s Dune 2. She is one of the new additions, along with Austin Butler and Florence Pugh, to the critically acclaimed sequel. Before Dune 2, she played supporting roles in famous Hollywood franchises like Daniel Craig’s James Bond and Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible.
What does Lea Seydoux think about Hollywood’s view of women?
Following her popularity in French films like The Beautiful Person and Farewell, My Queen, Lea Seydoux entered Hollywood to act in supporting roles in some of the most critically acclaimed films. Speaking to Indiewire in 2022, Seydoux claimed that she enjoyed working in Hollywood because she feels that America has more imaginative people.
However, in the Inglourious Basterds actress’ recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, Lea Seydoux claimed that it is easier to be a woman in the European Film Industry. She feels that the women in Hollywood are pressured to maintain their looks to keep getting roles.
“The industry in America, I find it harsh on women. It’s hard for women to age. I don’t want to be afraid not to be desirable or to lose my contract. In America it’s economic, and when it becomes a matter of making money you lose your freedom. I don’t feel comfortable with the fact that you have to tick all the boxes. Being a woman on screen is easier in Europe.”
Earlier, Cameron Diaz also stated that she did not think herself “valuable” at 40. Although Lea Seydoux addressed Hollywood’s harsh side, she expressed that she was satisfied with the roles she got. She never had any problem with supporting roles and takes what she gets. In the latest Dennis Villeneuve magnum opus, she portrayed one of the members of Bene Gesserit and admitted that she had a good time filming Dune 2 along with Austin Butler.
What do the other actresses think about Hollywood’s treatment of women?
While Lea Seydoux has been the latest critique of Hollywood’s dark side, several other names have also spoken on this before. The Bridgerton actress Phoebe Dynevor claimed that there is “still not enough room” for actresses of her age. The 28-year-old actress spoke to Evening Standard that male actors and older women get more space to express their acting skills than actresses of her age.
Co-incidentally, the Spider-Man fame Kirsten Dunst has also admitted in the latest interview with Marie Claire that she took a temporary break from acting after being typecast due to her age- “I haven’t worked in two years. Every role I was being offered was the sad mom.”
Maggie Gyllenhaal also faced a similar treatment when she was turned down a role for being “too old to play the lover of a man who was 55” (via The Wrap). The actress was astonished at this bizarre view of women in the industry- “It made me feel bad, and then it made me feel angry, and then it made me laugh.”
Unfortunately, several renowned actresses can substantiate Lea Seydoux’s complaints regarding Hollywood. There are uncountable stories regarding this issue. But with more women coming forward, it remains to be seen if we can spot any difference anytime soon.
Lea Seydoux’s Dune 2 is running in theaters near you.
