It is no secret that Kate Winslet suffered a lot of negativity and controversy after starring in the blockbuster Titanic. From her appearance to her weight, everything was under the scrutiny of the public, even blaming Rose’s weight for Jack’s inability to survive. While critics praised her for her acting, one director called her out for being a ‘role model’ for plump American girls.
Prominent filmmaker Jacques Rivette was a French filmmaker, who once called out James Cameron’s career masterpiece as garbage, a pretty controversial opinion for a movie that grossed a billion dollars in its theatrical release back in 1997.
French Director Jacques Rivette Once Criticized Kate Winslet For Titanic
Jacques Rivette was a celebrated French filmmaker and was among the prominent figures of the French New Wave movement in cinema. While he might not be as commercially successful as many of his contemporaries, his movies were praised doe their intellect and complex elements.
Starting as a film critic, the filmmaker once called out the 1997 blockbuster as equal to garbage. While he wasn’t as critical of James Cameron, he did once remark that the director ‘can’t direct his way out of a paper bag’.
Rivette was also deeply critical of the movie’s lead, Kate Winslet, calling her out on many fronts. During an interview with Senses of Cinema, he stated,
“On top of which the actress is awful, unwatchable, the most slovenly girl to appear on the screen in a long, long time. That’s why it’s been such a success with young girls, especially inhibited, slightly plump American girls who see the film over and over as if they were on a pilgrimage: they recognize themselves in her, and dream of falling into the arms of the gorgeous Leonardo.”
While many called his statements ill-found and in bad taste, this wasn’t the only time that the young actress was a topic of public debate, for the actress had to face a lot of negative criticism coming from a lot of varied fronts.
Kate Winslet Had A Hard Time After Titanic Fame
After starring in Titanic, not only was Kate Winslet a global star overnight but she was also the subject of extreme negative commentary. From her acting to her appearance, certain critics and audiences found innumerable flaws in her portrayal.
She was also blamed for being fat and the reason why Jack’s character was unable to survive on the makeshift wooden raft. Even though the actress underwent extreme duress while shooting for the movie, her portrayal was called out for numerous reasons.
This proves that despite an actor’s best effort, their worth would always be tested and judged by audiences and critics, making it necessary to separate such ill-found criticism from intellectual one.
Titanic can be rented on YouTube.
