S Poddar
Gemma Arterton is the former Bond girl whose opinions have caused controversy due to her reservations about female James Bond. She was of the opinion that so much change would be too abrupt for the franchise’s traditional patrons. “Isn’t a female James Bond like Mary Poppins being played by a man?” she challenged, thinking that the scenario might be too jarring for the audience.
Arterton, who played Strawberry Fields in “Quantum of Solace,” also reflected on her own experiences with the Bond franchise. While she doesn’t regret her role, she’s puzzled by how it continues to define her career. “I was only in the film for five minutes,” she pointed out.
An actress who recently starred alongside Ian McKellen in “The Critic,” aged 38, has also spoken on the evolution of on-set practices, particularly about intimate scenes. She recalled a time when a sex scene was imposed on her without much consultation. Such situations, she was glad to note, are less frequent today, thanks to the presence of intimacy coordinators.
Arterton believes that the support systems on locations are crucial, including anonymity helplines. She suggests that such resources are as important to deal with any level of bullying or harassment.
Filming “The Critic” during pregnancy
“The Critic” was among the productions that Arterton filmed when she was in her last trimester. She has praised the support and flexibility of the people behind the production.
She was concerned, though, when asked about fellow co-star Ian McKellen’s fall on stage recently and wished for his speedy recovery. As for Arterton, living in Sussex with husband and young son, it is apparent that she puts family first and has stepped back significantly from her workload.
She is also off all social media, believing there should always be a touch of mystique about the actor, not just their fictional characters.
The actress also spoke about class representation in the arts. She lamented being told to give up her working-class Kent accent during drama school. She now campaigns for more working-class people to be included in the arts, as she feels they have much to give.
Arterton’s candid remarks on the film industry, gender roles, and personal experiences are invaluable in understanding the challenges and rewards of a career in acting. Her reflections on the changing landscape of filmmaking and her advocacy for greater diversity and inclusivity are noteworthy.
