In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Emily Blunt expresses her frustration with the double standards prevalent in Hollywood. She openly despises the term "likable," going so far as to call it her "most detested word in the business." Blunt, who stars as the lead in the film adaptation of Paula Hawkins' novel, "Girl on the Train," discusses the issue alongside Hawkins.
Blunt firmly believes that the notion of a character needing to be likable puts women in a difficult position. She questions why women are expected to conform to a man's idea of femininity, where attractiveness and likability are essential. According to her, appearances and adherence to this "feminine ideal" should not be necessary.
To illustrate her point, Blunt cites her character, Rachel, in "Girl on the Train." Rachel is not what society would deem likable, and Blunt questions the meaning of the term. Does it imply being charming and attractive while maintaining composure and supporting a lackluster male counterpart?
Paula Hawkins, the author of the book, stands by her choice to cast Blunt as Rachel, despite some arguing that she is too attractive for the role. Hawkins dismisses this criticism as irrelevant. Both the book and the film depict three strong female characters, each with their own flaws, while the men in their lives range from weak to detestable, as highlighted by The Hollywood Reporter.
Despite the strength portrayed by the female characters in "Girl on the Train," the issue of likability remains a lingering concern. Blunt boldly addresses the double standards faced by women in the film industry, emphasizing that they face a tremendous amount of judgment. She specifically points out the character of Rachel, who struggles with alcoholism and self-destruction.
Blunt goes on to express her frustration with the way women are labeled when they face similar challenges as their male counterparts. While women are often judged as drunks or harlots, men in the same circumstances are seen as party-goers or players. Blunt finds this discrepancy infuriating, firmly believing that women should not be considered any less sensual than men.
In conclusion, Emily Blunt and Paula Hawkins shed light on the double standards that persist in Hollywood and the challenges faced by female characters like Rachel in "Girl on the Train." Through their candid remarks, they raise important questions about likability, femininity, and the judgment women face in the film industry.
