“I love that we’re seeing stronger women on the screen — but I don’t think that’s the end of this conversation,” says Brie Larson in a new interview with BBC News. The Oscar-winning actress continues, “I think that we’re more than just being strong or just being mothering. I think there’s a whole lot that goes on in between for us to explore.” Amen, sister.
As great as it is to see female-led action films, “strong female character” shouldn’t just mean a character who kicks ass. We want multi-dimensional women protagonists who do more than shoot guns. Why do actresses so often have to choose between playing gentle mothers or fearless weapon-toting badasses? How about representing women working within the arts, politics, and medical field, for example?
When asked how she thinks things can change, the “Room” actress emphasizes the need to focus not just on who appears onscreen but who works behind the scenes. “I think the best place to start would be more female film directors — more female filmmakers of every different type of race — and we need to get out of these binary ways of thinking,” Larson explains.
The “Kong: Skull Island” star continues, “We need more intersectionality. We need more unique voices because what directing is, is saying: ‘This is how I view the world,’ and I think the way we can connect and learn more is seeing the world through other people’s eyes.”
We couldn’t agree more, and are so thrilled to see a Hollywood A-lister discussing intersectionality with the BBC to promote her blockbuster film. We’re betting Larson will use her platform to talk more about the importance of hiring women helmers when she premieres her own feature directorial debut, “Unicorn Shore.” Written by Samantha McIntyre (“Married”), the indie comedy follows a woman who moves back in with her parents. And let’s not forget that Larson will be doing press all over the world for her upcoming starring role in “Captain Marvel.” An advocate of sexual assault survivors, Larson is an outspoken feminist and sure to drop truth bombs across the globe.
As for her latest role, “Kong: Skull Island,” Larson says of her character, an antiwar photographer, “She’s not afraid to speak up. She uses her voice and is willing to put her whole life on the line for what she believes in.” We’d say the same about Larson.
“Kong: Skull Island” opens in theaters today, March 10.
