It worked for Robert DeNiro, Charlize Theron, Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger, and now Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank is set to gain between 20 and 30 pounds for her role in the new film French Women Don’t Get Fat, an adaptation of the best-selling book.
Those concerned over Hilary Swank’s plummeting weight can rest easy—maybe. The two-time Oscar nabber is next set to pack on the pounds (and a lot of ’em) to play the lead in French Women Don’t Get Fat, an adaptation of Mireille Guiliano’s best-selling book, which Swank will also produce.
“She’ll gain 20 to 30 pounds,” we’re told by a source close to the production. “It’s no sweat. She’s played a man before. She can handle anything.”
Some of Swank’s colleagues are more than concerned about her alarmingly thin frame, which is so tiny, some say Chad Lowe’s former wife is looking downright frail. But anything for a meaty part, eh?
While French Women is nonfiction, an early premise says Swank will play the manager of a champagne company dealing with French beauties who consume bread, wine and pastries yet never gain an ounce. And naturally, self discovery happens along the way.
Hilary’s been looking a bit anemic these days, ever since she played an aspiring boxer in “Million Dollar Baby.” Her physique has always looked a bit masculine- which is probably why she was able to play Brandon Teena in “Boys Don’t Cry” so well. I’d be willing to bet that another 30 pounds on her frame would really soften up her face and jawline and make her actually look pretty.
Picture note by Celebitchy: Hilary Swank is shown at the Trump Hotel & Tower Dubai launch in Beverly Hills on 8/23/08. I like her a lot better with dark hair. Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN
“…and make her actually look pretty.”
You’re having a laugh, aren’t you??
She’s gorgeous. Always has been.
I agree, she’s is beautiful. She’s not conventionally, Jen Aniston boring beautiful, but she is gorgeous.
However, I think you might be right about saying a bit more meat on her bones wouldn’t hurt. However, a huge weight gain probably won’t go too well with her body type and face either. She has something boyish that probably can’t stand too huge a weight gain (unlike Renée or Charlize where it doesn’t matter so much).
Anyway, I like her. But I say down with the self-help books made into movies. Those really get on my nerves.
Where is the alarmingly thin frame?? She looks absolutely normal here to me, and very attractive.
I don’t think the shorter ‘do is doing her any favors. I think she is attractive in a more “gal next door” kind of way, but the current cut isn’t the most flattering for her.
why don’t they just give rolls to actresses who look the part? Like Monster — why didnt’ they just give that part to a different actress.. A thin actress gains some weight, then is made up to look unattractive. then gets award nominations. just give the roll to someone who looks like the character..
so f’d up.
Audrey, I agree to some extent to what you’re saying… That said, Hilary Swank is only 34 years old and has already won TWO Oscars (and deservedly, so, IMHO) — I think that, in this case, choosing an actress who is clearly more talented than many other actresses her age is probably justified. I mean, it’s only 20 lbs, after all. Hell, I wouldn’t want to gain 20 lbs for reasons entirely born of vanity, but these celebs have trainers, nutritionists, (cocaine?), and a buttload of free time to work off the lbs. Ok, I’m babbling now, but hopefully you get the point. 🙂
Btw, Audrey, I love your name. It’s on my list of the top 5 girls’ names I’d consider naming a daughter if I ever have one in the future.
Audrey, you’ve used a poor example with Monster. That was probably Charlize Theron’s best ever role and she took it to the edge. The name is what usually sells the movie, not the role, hence using well-known faces who have to bulk up, slim down, go blonde, speak foreign etc. Just the way it is. There are lots of examples of mis-casting around but I really think Swank and Theron are exceptions to the rule. But I do know what you mean.
It wasn’t to disparage them as actresses. I loved both Boys dont Cry & Monster. But I think it’s really backwards that they make such a big deal of hiring a pretty woman and making her “unattractive”. so many actresses could walk right into those roles.
Ahh, Hollywood. I prefer realism.
I love the description of this movie: “Swank will play the manager of a champagne company dealing with French beauties who consume bread, wine and pastries yet never gain an ounce. And naturally, self discovery happens along the way.” I haven’t read the book, so can someone please explain to me what kind of self discovery they’re talking about? Does the main character find herself by losing weight?
Agree with Anna. What’s with turning a self-help book into a feature-length film? Seems so bizarre…
Granger, here’s a link to the book. It’s actually quite an interesting read, examines the mindset behind the approach French women have to eating in comparison to other nationalities.
http://www.mireilleguiliano.com/frenchwomen.htm
@Granger, Geronimo – I think they’re also making that “Eat Pray Love” book into a movie, too. It’s the Oprah-fication of films. Interchangeable rom-com + faux-spiritual journey.
She’s just going back to the “karate kid 3” days, and i don’t think that’s going to be tough for her. but be warned hilary, you don’t wanna pull a “jared letto” on this one!
mamalama. i agree completely!
With regard to the book in question – British columnist Zoe Williams had an interesting and intelligent take on the whole ‘French women are [insert awesome yet tenuous assertion here]’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/25/france.fashion
I love Hilary, but this movie sounds like a dud from the outset. I wish she’d get back to the more heavyweight (if you’ll excuse the pun) roles instead of the girlie fluff she has been inclined to make recently.
Oh what fun that would be. I’d be at the local pastry shop really having a good time.
I’m with you Leandra; getting paid to put on 20 pounds when everyone knows you put it on for a role sounds wonderful to me. Screw the pastries, bring on the pizza and lasagne…. That must be a little hard on your body though to put it on and take it off so abruptly.
she looks like matt damon.
Puleaaaase… I’m so tired of this book. We French women do get fat ok? We get fat enjoyinh good food that’s all.
This haircolour and haircut is really weird on her btw.
Little Hutt: You’re my hero of the day. I was half expecting one of these threads where women ramble on about every goddamn morsel like it’s some kind of competition: I only eat a spoonful of wheat germ for breakfast! Well, I only have a spoonful of black coffee! You get the idea. 🙄
Hi folks,
Hilary has that haircut for her role as Amelia Earhart who was the first woman pilot to fly across the Atlantic. Earhart disappeared in her attempt to fly around the world. I think she disappeared over the Pacific.
Earhart was a very thin, angular woman which could explain the weight thing. It’s amazing how Hilary transforms herself for her roles and gives 100%. Her performance in Boys Don’t Cry was a triumph.
Omg – I LOVED HER in Boys Don’t Cry! That’s the movie that did it for me.
All of it in her jawline. Are Hil and SJP having a competition ?
Baholicious-Didn’t Amelia Earhart disappear somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean? I watched a documentary a few years ago about the Bermuda Triangle and have been fascinated since then. I was just wondering if you read something about her disappearing over the Pacific, cause I’d like to read it. Thanks!
This is really interesting, You’re an overly professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and sit up for in quest of extra of your excellent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks
Great post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You should proceed your writing. I’m confident, you have a great readers’ base already!|What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & aid other users like its helped me. Good job.