Rupert Everett is known for his no-nonsense attitude and unapologetic honesty. This British actor has always cut straight to the chase, making waves in Hollywood with his thoughts on the industry’s treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. At a recent film festival in Maratea, Italy, he shared how he believes the landscape has changed for the better—though it’s not without its caveats. As he reflects on his career, Everett doesn’t shy away from discussing the uncomfortable realities of being openly gay in the film industry.
The Shifting Tides of Representation
Okay, but can we talk about how Everett acknowledges that there’s less stigma attached to being gay, lesbian, or transgender today than in the past? “I think it’s great that there is less stigma with being gay or lesbian or trans, and you have more opportunities to work in cinema,” he explained. But hold up—he also highlighted a troubling trend: the stereotype that LGBTQ+ characters can only be portrayed as ‘saints.’ “If you are a homosexual, you have to play a kind of saint,” he said. “You can’t play a character who is a serial killer if you were in a homosexual role in the film, because everyone goes, ‘Oh no, this is such a bad image for homosexuality.’” Who else thinks that this kind of pigeonholing is limiting for actors? 🎭
His critique doesn’t stop there. Everett pointed out that politics now permeates every aspect of storytelling—“everything is political.” He lamented the culture of victimization that seems to have taken hold. “Everyone is a victim. And I think this is very bad too. When I was young, everyone was a survivor.” This shift in mindset, he argues, has made storytelling less authentic and more about checking boxes than about real human experiences. What do you think? Are we losing depth in our narratives? 🔍
A Call for Hard Work and Authenticity
Everett’s observations extend beyond representation. He notices a trend among today’s youth, who often believe that success is merely about following dreams without the requisite hard work. “Young people are educated just to follow a dream, not really to do any work,” he remarked. Back in his day, the path to becoming an actor was paved with challenges, including mandatory years in provincial theater before making it big. This rigorous process, he believes, made the journey more rewarding and the actors more skilled. What do you think about the current expectations placed on aspiring actors? 🤔
His advice for the next generation? “Observe your colleagues; read and watch what’s around; notice how people move; and take their eyes off their smartphones.” Everett’s journey began with inspiration from Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins, leading him from the London stage to international acclaim. He emphasizes the importance of learning the craft, which he believes has shaped his career significantly.
Reflecting on the Past and Future
Looking back, Everett has had his share of highs and lows. His breakout role in the film adaptation of Another Country won him accolades, but he admits to struggles along the way, especially with Italian directors like Francesco Rosi. “I wish I’d been a bit older when I worked for Francesco Rosi because I found working for him so difficult. I found everything so difficult when I was young,” he shared. It’s a reminder that every actor’s journey is fraught with challenges, and growth often comes from facing them head-on.
In 2018, Everett took on a deeply personal project, directing a film about Oscar Wilde. “For me, he is the Christ of homosexuals,” he stated. Wilde’s life, marked by struggle and secrecy, resonated with Everett, who sees him as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights. As he contemplates his next steps in filmmaking, he remains candid about his experiences in the industry, including a recent firing from the show Emily in Paris, which left him disappointed. “Show business is always very difficult, from the beginning to the end,” he said. It’s a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the industry.
As we continue to discuss these themes, what are your thoughts on the complexities of representation in film? Are we making progress, or are there still hurdles to overcome? Let’s keep this conversation going! 🌈