‘I’d Rather Be Controversial Than Boring.’ Olivia Wilde Gets Real About Female Directors In Hollywood And What That’s Meant For Her Own Career

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As a fan and admirer of Olivia Wilde, I am consistently inspired by her fearless approach to both acting and directing. Her unapologetic pursuit of authenticity and risk-taking in her projects is truly refreshing in an industry that often prioritizes mainstream appeal over artistic integrity.

Over the past few years, actress Olivia Wilde has been venturing into the realm of directing movies. In 2019, she directed the film “Booksmart,” followed by “Don’t Worry Darling” in 2022, which garnered a five-minute standing ovation despite varying critical opinions. With two more films on the horizon that she has taken charge of, it’s no wonder there is an abundance of opportunities for her to direct more movies.

During an interview with Deadline, Olivia Wilde candidly discussed her role within the entertainment industry, both as an actress and a director. As an actress, Wilde found herself drawn to characters that presented some level of risk, which she believes is why she was sought after for various projects, whether acting or directing. Reflecting on her past endeavors, Wilde stated that this inclination towards risky roles is what made her a valuable asset in the industry.

They understand that I won’t let fear grip me, and I believe a significant factor in this is my readiness to not be embraced by all, to not receive universal acclaim, to not be cherished by everyone. I think one major issue within our industry, probably consistent globally, lies in confusing filmmaking or acting with fame or widespread approval. This blurring instantly eliminates any chances for daring work. Therefore, I believe it was crucial for me to avoid fixating on acceptance or affection.

In her discussion, Wilde elaborated on her experiences as a film director and her aspirations in movie-making, working equally behind and in front of the camera. Regarding feedback from critics and audiences about her work, such as in “In Time,” she expressed her thoughts, which were reported as follows:

I prefer sparking debate over being uneventful. As a filmmaker, my goal is to avoid creating a movie that leaves audiences indifferent with a shrug of “meh,” saying, “I’m not sure, I didn’t feel anything.” I’d rather evoke strong dislike than indifference.

It’s no surprise that movies with profound themes or daring plotlines that spark debate are often avoided in the industry. This field typically strives to cater to a broad audience, a point Oscar Wilde acknowledged as a motivation for her shift towards directing. In an interview, she expressed her view that acting is the profession where past experience holds no value. She even asserted that having more experience could make you less valuable because public opinion matters more in this field. Furthermore, she stated:

Eventually, I understood that I didn’t want my worth to diminish when my knowledge and expertise were most profound. Instead, I aspire to be honored for my experiences, rather than being valued for something transient or temporary.

Oscar Wilde posits that having a diverse range of experiences and involvement in multiple projects can significantly extend your career longevity within the film industry. This is because you have the opportunity to fully exhibit your abilities when you’re immersed in various projects. Moreover, the power to control the camera adds more depth to this expression, as opposed to merely being in front of it.

There’s a wealth of talented women in the field of film studies, yet fewer of them are given the chance to bring their films to life on screen.

She passionately argued that having the opportunity to create a film as a woman is thrilling because you’re the one calling the shots. Wilde emphasized that this is an opportunity to revolutionize the industry instead of conforming to its norms. She encouraged taking this chance to lead change and not shying away from presenting something that might not please everyone. To sum it up, she said:

Encourage women to assert their presence confidently and step into leadership roles. It’s challenging for everyone, including men, to manage a production, but as women, we often feel obligated to apologize for our very existence. As a leader, you can’t do that effectively… I believe it’s about success stemming from the creation of something authentic and true to your unique identity, rather than seeking approval from others.

At present, Olivia Wilde is the director of the upcoming Christmas comedy “Naughty”, which Margot Robbie (of the Barbie movie fame) is contributing to its production. Furthermore, Wilde is slated to direct “Avengelyne”, a film adaption from a 1990s comic book character. As previously stated, her movie “Don’t Worry Darling” received mixed reviews and reportedly had both on-screen and off-screen conflicts among the cast, with speculations of tension between Wilde and Florence Pugh.

If you’re eager to witness Wilde as a director, you can stream the movie “Don’t Worry Darling” by subscribing to Amazon Prime Video.

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2024-12-10 17:10