‘Babygirl’ Director Defends Age-Gap Romance Explored in Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson Movie

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As a woman who has spent countless hours watching films and analyzing their portrayals of women, I find Halina Reijn’s perspective on age-gap romances in films like Babygirl refreshing and empowering. It’s high time we normalize the depiction of women having different relationships and breaking free from the patriarchal norms that have been internalized for so long.

Halina Reijn, the director of the film “Babygirl”, discusses her take on portraying an age-gap romance in the sensual thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson.

In a recent chat with W Magazine, the filmmaker was questioned about the movie “Babygirl,” now showing in cinemas. This production adds to the series of contemporary films that highlight age-gap romantic connections, including titles like “May-December” and “The Idea of You.

Reijn pointed out that it’s unusual when the ages of the actors in a movie are the same for a male and female character. He finds this absurd, stating that it should be commonplace for age differences between characters and for women to have diverse relationships. Reijn emphasized that we need to break free from the constraints of the male gaze and patriarchy, which is challenging.

The character Babygirl pursues Romy, played by Nicole Kidman, a powerful CEO who jeopardizes both her career and family after engaging in a passionate relationship with her younger intern, portrayed by Samuel from Dickinson. Reijn, the director, shared with W magazine that she aimed to make the film’s intimate scenes feel intensely sensual and enjoyable, yet authentic as well.

Sexuality isn’t always smooth and consistent, more like a journey with ups and downs,” she pointed out. “It doesn’t resemble the idealized scenes you’d see in a ’90s Hollywood movie – that’s far from reality.

This month, Kidman shared her reasons behind taking on her role in Babygirl, as part of an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Often, women are overlooked or stereotyped at certain points in their careers, especially in a sexual manner,” the actress elaborated. “However, being portrayed differently in this role was refreshing. As soon as I read the script, I felt a connection, like I hadn’t encountered this kind of character or narrative before. My character has achieved a lot of power, yet she’s unsure of her identity, her goals, and her desires, despite appearing to have it all. I believe many people can relate to this struggle.

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2024-12-27 03:54