To say Don’t Worry Darling is renowned more for the drama surrounding it than the audience’s keen interest in the premise would be an understatement. The string of controversies surrounding the Olivia Wilde-directed endeavor seems to never quite stop. Even recently, reports and rumors pointed to how the filmmaker and lead actress Florence Pugh got into an alleged “screaming” feud on the sets of the notorious film.
Making an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Wilde was inquired whether or not she thinks the press surrounding the ill-famed film pertained to “double standards” prevalent within the industry and amongst the media. To this, the 38-year-old actress and director had a reply that has received support, while also being subjected to fans’ fault-finding.
Olivia Wilde’s Response To Don’t Worry Darling’s Negative Press
When Kelly Clarkson brought up the notion of “double standards” revolving around Olivia Wilde‘s film, the director did not disagree. Furthermore, she attested to how such norms find their existence in every single industry. The Booksmart alum expressed how “every woman” can relate to such experiences.
Elaborating on the concept, Wilde had the following to say:
“I think, also, this business… I was aware when I got into it, it’s male-dominated. It has been for a long time. Being a female directordifferent, there’s not that many of us. Not for lack of talent, just for lack of opportunity.”
The director emphasized how she’s always prepared for the kind of backlash that’s ought to come her way, especially for being a woman in a primarily male-centric industry. However, what seems to transcend certain limits and “hurt” the filmmaker is when the criticism or denunciation stems from another fellow woman. Remarking upon this, Wilde stated:
“Can we [all women] just give each other the benefit of the doubt and just have each other’s backs? Wouldn’t that be great?”
The Don’t Worry Darling-spearhead, circling back to the initial question, answered that the press coverage surrounding her films has never been in her favor and is “different” in contrast to that of her male colleagues.
Olivia Wilde Is Envious Of Her Male Colleagues
Wilde, substantiating her stance, went on to say that she ponders about how her male counterparts seem to be able to carry on with their lives without “as much judgment” and how it strikes an envious sentiment within her. “That must be nice,” She expressed, “To be that guy.”
Following is her full statement:
“Am I envious of my colleagues in the way that they seem to be able to live their lives without as much judgment? Yeah, I think about it. I’m like, “That must be nice. To be that guy.” Everyone’s just like, applauding every move he makes.”
However, to reinstate how fortunate she is to be in the position she currently holds, the filmmaker expressed her gratitude for her job. According to her, the coverage for Don’t Worry Darling, while disheartening, only mounts up to “noise” at the end of the day. If Olivia Wilde dwells on such hindrances, she says she is bound to get distracted. Therefore, she “blasts through” the hate and negativity.
People on Twitter seem to be split about the opinions Wilde expressed. Some called it performative; a result of “white feminism”, others lauded the director and pointed out the double standards that seem to exist within the industry.
Take a look:
Maybe because she draws attention to her films by making statements that aren't necessarily true? She should just be talking about her films. But I saw her interview on Colbert and she was only talking about her beef with Shia LaBeouf. That's not good advertising for her movie.
— KaitlynRAW 🐞🚍 (@KaitlynRAH1) September 24, 2022
Men are judged too Idk what world she's living in.
— penguinchemist (@penguinchemist) September 22, 2022
one thing that is endlessly frustrating about people defending olivia wilde is the implication that since male directs have not historically been held accountable for their wrongdoings, no one should be
— slay-z 🧞♀️! (@ikissuwould) September 16, 2022
The thing about the Olivia Wilde situation that bugs me is that if there were rumors of a male director being an asshole it wouldn't even be a headline. Like even if the rumors are true..and I'm DEF not her biggest fan, people wouldn't care about this if she was a man…
— Surina (@realpeppathepig) September 24, 2022
a lot of male directors are evil but I’ve never seen the same reaction toward them as I’ve seen to olivia wilde AND this movie
— lee (@beIIamyblakesgf) September 23, 2022
Multiple things can be true at the same time. Like: 1) Male directors who behave badly are cut a lot more slack than female directors 2) Olivia Wilde behaved unprofessionally on set 3) the movie DWD is not very good; and 4) Olivia received unwarranted harassment from Harry’s fans
— Minna Jung (@Minnams) September 23, 2022
While the Internet and its citizens remain uncertain about Don’t Worry Darling‘s on-set debacle and the aftermath of it, which resulted in several headlines further aggravating discourse, the rampant vilification of Wilde seems to never cease. The most demoralizing aspect of the entire fiasco is how the film, instead of being acknowledged for whatever story it has to tell, became the laughing stock of critics and the source of petty drama that entertains the masses.
As reviews for the Olivia Wilde-directed attempt point at a lackluster and dull premise, it will soon be revealed whether or not the film at least manages to garner moderate commercial acclaim.
Don’t Worry Darling is out in theatres now.
Source: The Kelly Clarkson Show
