One of the ongoing conversations the industry has been having over the past few years revolves around increasing the role of women in all levels of production. Calls have been made for more women to be given executive roles or be considered for directing blockbuster projects, while actresses have often voiced concerns about the dearth of quality roles, particularly when compared to men, when they begin to reach middle age. But don’t tell that to Russell Crowe. In a recent interview with The Australian Woman’s Weekly, he dismisses ageism concerns by putting forth the opinion that actresses just aren’t, well, acting their age.
But dismissing the concerns of middle-aged and older actresses as not facing up to the realities of their age is completely dismissive. While Streep and Mirren (and let’s toss Judi Dench in there) get the pick of the crop when it comes age-appropriate roles, those parts are few, and there aren’t many other actresses of that age that will get a movie green lit. In general, men have it much easier when it comes to the number of quality, complex, and interesting roles as they head into the silver-haired years.
Thoughts? Share ’em below and let us know if the ageism train is powered by unrealistic expectations or if Hollywood has a problem.
