Cate Blanchett covered the Guardian’s Weekend Magazine to promote her fall films, Carol and Truth. In the weeks since we’ve discussed Blanchett’s movies, the idea that Blanchett could or would earn some awards nominations for Truth have sort of faded away. The film wasn’t very well received critically, and at this point, if Cate is going to get nominated this year, it’s going to be for Carol. Anyway, you can read the Guardian’s interview with Cate here. She was pretty chatty with the magazine, but we’ve heard a lot of this stuff before. Some highlights:
Being 46 years old: “Actress years are like dog years. So that makes me about 120.”
On LGBT rights, sexism: “Well, the fact that we’re talking about it means there are still barriers. It’s like the situation with women in film – or, frankly, women in every industry – not being paid the same as men. You have to keep it on the agenda. You have to keep it politicised. But I’m not very interested in agitprop cinema. That’s the realm of the documentary. That’s where investigative journalism belongs. The problem is that when you represent a character in a same-sex relationship, it’s like you have to represent them all. You become a spokesperson, which really isn’t the point. When the time comes that we have a diversity of same-sex couples in film, then the problem is solved, I don’t have to stand for everyone.”
On being misrepresented as having “many” relationships with women: “Look. I also just played Mary Mapes, who’s a journalist. No one asked me how long I’d been to journalism school. If I played someone who has an affair, I think a reporter would probably think twice before asking, ‘Ooh, how many affairs have you had?’ It would be a slightly delicate area. But there are no holds barred about asking me whether I’ve had relationships with women. And so I facetiously said, ‘Oh yes, I’ve had many relationships with women’ – because frankly, who hasn’t? Of course I said it in inverted commas. But the inverted commas didn’t make the page.”
Being a working actress and mother: “Now, I might be wrong, but I don’t think they put the same question to male actors, do they?”
Stepping away from her film career: “When I stepped away to run the theatre company, a lot of people said, ‘This is a mistake. You realise you have a certain shelf life and you’re throwing that away.’ But I think it’s made me a better actor. If it hasn’t, I’m a f–king idiot. But you do carry that fear with you. When I was getting ready to leave [the company], I did think, ‘Well, I’m in my 40s, I don’t know if I’ve even got a film career to go back to.’ And then Blue Jasmine landed in my lap.”
She doesn’t want to sound wanky. “Acting can be an anthropological process. I don’t want to sound wanky or pompous about it – my son calls it pump-ass – but I think that’s what it is.”
Empathy & Donald Trump: “I think that empathy is a noble cause. I think a point of understanding is probably a good thing. I mean, with some people it’s harder than with others. If I was playing Donald Trump, it might be a tall order…. I would play Donald Trump in a heartbeat. The comb-over? I’m there. Todd Haynes could make a whole new film. Six different incarnations of Trump.”
A significant chunk of the interview is devoted to discussing Blue Jasmine and what it was like working with Woody Allen. It’s interesting because during Cate’s awards blitz two years ago, all of the questions about Woody Allen were shunned because of all of the controversies. But I guess Cate thinks that it’s passed and she can now talk about it? Perhaps. And yes, I would love to see her play Donald Trump. Why do I think she would be somewhat brilliant at that?
Photos courtesy of The Guardian, WENN.
This isn’t criticism of Cate, but I kinda get vaguely annoyed at these people who are suddenly willing to talk about sexism. “You wouldn’t ask a man that, would you?” Well, three years ago she would’ve answered the question. Actresses have been talking about this ever since it was fashionable to admit you couldn’t do it all. Public discourse has changed once again so she’s pushing back but…I hate that these are the public figures we turn to for insight into important subjects (I hate watching Morgan Freeman talk about race!).
Then there’s this great gulf fixed where we have actors willing to say whatever about the issues of the moment–and more power to them but they’re largely irrelevant–while the actual public figures who could effect change (or the would-be ones, see title^) have little to nothing to offer on the topic. But bravo to Trudeau in Canada!
(Ok, Hillary has something to offer on the topic but her opponents weaponize sexism when women talk about it so I’d rather hear from men).
it’s our fault. we are mesmerised by celebrity/fame and would rather hear from them than from Joe bloggs expert on the subject.
its not only that it depends on the paper they are talking to. the guardian is a left wing paper. if she was talking to “Mommy Monthly Magazine” she would have said something different.
I get what you’re saying, but I find myself having that same thought a lot at work these days. Really? Would you tell a man to be patient and not worry so much about opportunities for growth? Fashionable or not, the more women who speak up the more women will feel comfortable speaking up.
How fortunate that working for a pedophile just “fell into her lap.” Too bad a conscience didn’t fall with it. Can’t stand this woman.
+1.
I would watch her play Trump all day, every day. That is all.
“just played Mary Mapes, who’s a journalist. No one asked me how long I’d been to journalism school.” Isn’t that the truth! It’s always weird how the media can separate an actor and a role in some cases but not in others.
Her as Trump would be great, but I’m so sick of him if his name were never mentioned again, I’d be happy.
I actually like her answers a lot, especially about being an actress, not a spokesperson. Sometimes I feel like celebs do the latter only for the sake of awards and popularity. When the movie’s had it’s 5 minutes, they move on to the next social issue.
Oh no, looking at her header pic I can see it.
I like Cate but she needs to stop pretending that her answer to that question wasn’t a publicty stunt designed to drum up interest for the film through headlines. Admit you play the Hollywood game like anybody else.
We can rightly argue that journalists shouldn’t ask about your sexuality if your playing a lesbian character, but obviously the question referred to romantic relationships. Why would the journalist ask if she has female friendships?
This. She was obviously baiting in that interview.
That headline made my whole morning.
I love that pic of her! She looks so cool and edgy.
I think it would be pretty cool for her to play Trump, but then again he isn’t worth it! She’s too fabulous for him
I’m sick of outraged pseudo-feminist reaction, “they don’t ask the male actors that question.” Well, males haven’t created millions of blogs and magazine covers rhapsodizing about the joys of fatherhood and dissecting the Father/Husband/Employee paradigm, begging to either offer or receive advice on HOW to manage it ALL. That’s why women get asked these questions; we have created a powerful market which indicates very plainly that we are obsessed with the intersection of motherhood and professionalism.
THANK YOU. Jfc, the hypocrisy over this is endless.
“We”?? Um, speak for yourself, but I haven’t had any part in perpetuating that market.
Why do you think that market even exists? Because it’s all women have been allowed to be experts in – the realms of home, children, beauty, fashion…
She is SO beautiful.
She comes across as a pretentious, boring snob.