Times are changing. And for the better. Over the course of the past decade, the industry has achieved great heights in promoting inclusivity. The atmosphere has improved and sections who were once shunned have luckily been able to put the days of discrimination behind. It was for this reason that Hilary Swank has revealed that she would refuse to do a role that would go on to win her an Academy Award.
Hilary Swank says she doubts being a part of this iconic film
Queer people were not always welcome in the Industry. It would be wrong to say that they insinuate that the days of discrimination are gone. But we’ve come a long way. And Hilary Swank knows that better than anyone.
The year 1999 saw Hilary Swank essay the role of Brandon Teena, a Trans in Boys Don’t Cry. The movie, directed by Kimberley Peirce, was a sensation back in the day, winning the critics over with its nuanced depiction of Brandon’s character and what trans people have to square up to. The role would bring great acclaim to Swank.
Yet, a few decades down the lane, she revisits her choice to star in the flick.
Hilary Swank would never choose to be a part of Boys Don’t Cry now
When Hilary Swank featured in the 1999 flick, it was not common for queer people to be cast in a trans role as well. Let the 90s alone, the practice was still in vogue in 2015, when Eddie Redmayne would go on to feature in The Danish Girl. And the P.S. I Love You star couldn’t help decry the practice now.
This is a role that will forever remain etched in her memory. It was the role that won her an Academy Award. She absolutely loved the impact the movie had, making them realize the issues faced by the trans community at large. But nothing will make her go for the role again. Sharing how she felt with The Times of London newspaper, she revealed how the changing times had made her realize her folly.
Hilary Swank shares the importance of giving trans people the recognition they deserve
Sharing her emotions, she said,
“Now for the most part, in most places, it’s accepted to be a trans person. At that time, people weren’t even coming out as gay and lesbian, it was a career killer, or whatever. They weren’t ready to tell their family, or maybe they weren’t even ready to tell themselves. We’re in such different times — I feel like it would be a great opportunity for an actor who’s trans to play that role.” (The Times)
That doesn’t mean that she envisages a razor tight inclusion. She continued,
“But I also feel like actors are actors. We are supposed to play different people and I would like to hope trans people are getting the opportunity to play non-trans people as well.”
And she couldn’t be more right. Times are still changing. All we can do is hope that they change for the better.
