As a longtime admirer of Gemma Arterton and her illustrious career, I am consistently inspired by her courage and dedication to advocating for change within the industry. Her journey from facing uncomfortable situations early on in her career to becoming a vocal advocate for actors’ rights is truly commendable. It’s fascinating to see how the landscape has shifted since the days of no intimacy coordinators, with actors now having more control over their roles and comfort levels.
This interview was originally published in TopMob magazine.
Gemma Arterton became widely recognized for her role as a Bond girl in Quantum of Solace, and further solidified her stardom through captivating performances in Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Tamara Drewe, and St Trinian’s.
She’s been seen on television, movies, and stage performances, and is now back for the Sky comedy series “Funny Woman,” this time as both the main actor and an executive producer.
In the ’60s setting, this narrative revolves around Barbara Parker, a former beauty queen from Blackpool, who transitions to London, assumes the stage name Sophie Straw, and eventually secures her own comedy series.
Funny Woman is about a woman who disrupts a male-dominated world. Why did it appeal to you?
In the United Kingdom, we didn’t see a popular sitcom with a female lead (written by a woman) until the 1970s, and that show was The Liver Birds, created by Carla Lane and Myra Taylor. Later on in the 1980s, we had Victoria Wood and French and Saunders, but those were the only notable exceptions. Unfortunately, opportunities for women in comedy were scarce during the 1960s. However, this era is a fascinating one to explore because it was marked by significant social change and numerous challenges to fight against.
Do people connect with the show because it addresses issues that are still relevant today?
Currently, comedic strife persists. While an abundance of humorous women produce entertaining television programs, the scarcity of female-led comedy series remains evident. It seems that the limelight is dominated by men, yet there continues to be a void in the realm of comedy.
Does your family, particularly your parents, encourage and foster a strong belief in yourself, as Barbara’s father does for her? Was this the case when you decided to pursue acting?
I yearned to perform, yet I wasn’t aiming for success. My dream was to delve into theatre and make enough to cover my living expenses – just that would have made me content. My parents said, “Follow your heart; we’re behind you and proud of your choice.” Yet, we had no connections in the industry, so they likely thought it might not pan out.
In the series, Barbara departs from Blackpool to chase her aspirations in London. Have you ever embarked on a similar adventure, starting from Gravesend?
From age 15 to 23, I lived the thrill of residing in London! During those years, I was part of the mod culture. My attire and hairstyle mirrored the ’60s fashion trends. My apartment was located in west Kensington, and I’d often take the bus to Portobello Road for some fashion browsing. I have a knack for adventure. Drama school was another source of joy – I entered without any preconceived notions, I merely enjoyed the experience. Unlike Barbara, who seems certain about her destiny, I never felt that way. Instead, I simply went along with the flow.
In more casual terms, we could rephrase the question as follows: “Barbara’s background is working-class and she has a local accent. Her acting partner is a person of color. So, how significant is it to have diversity represented on screen?
In “Funny Woman,” the diversity seems so integrated that it goes unnoticed, perhaps because we’re accustomed to seeing diverse representation. Fifteen years ago, having a non-white romantic lead would have been daring; now, it’s Arsher Ali, who plays Dennis, getting his first opportunity in this role. It’s surprising to me that he hasn’t had more leading roles before, given how naturally suited he is for the part.
In the second season, Barbara collaborates with two fresh scriptwriters proposing she don a sleek catwoman costume. Have you ever been given roles lacking depth?
Back in the day, when I was breaking into the acting scene, things were a bit different – before the #MeToo movement shook up Hollywood. It was commonplace for actresses to bare it all on screen, which I found myself doing quite often. As a young actress, I was typecast as the sultry love interest, or the girlfriend. However, as I’ve climbed the ranks and gained more clout, I’ve had the opportunity to pick and choose my roles, moving away from those stereotypical sexy characters.
You have spoken out about having to do things that have made you feel uncomfortable…
Based on previous expressions of disinterest, others seem to understand that I no longer wish to participate in those activities. They didn’t bring joy or satisfaction; they didn’t feel natural, enjoyable, or like a proper use of my abilities. Therefore, they no longer offer them to me. A significant shift occurred around 2017–18, when the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke. Nowadays, roles for women are more appealing.
It’s not always easy to be vocal, especially early in your career. Were you ever worried about being perceived as “difficult”?
On one occasion, I found myself on a film set, and the director instructed me, “You’ll be making love on the bed.” To which I responded, “Actually, this scene is intended for us to be off-camera, allowing only sounds to be heard. I wouldn’t have taken the role if it were to be filmed.” The director tried to pressure us that day. Unfortunately, the other actor was embarrassed. With many high-profile individuals present, I asserted, “You can’t force me, I refuse. It doesn’t matter if you think I’m stubborn.” However, I only felt confident in making such a stand because I had more experience under my belt.
And if you had been younger?
In retrospect, navigating those times would have been quite a challenge. The risk of losing my job or facing a tarnished reputation was always looming. Back then, before the existence of intimacy coordinators, things were vastly different. Now, they serve as a vital intermediary, ensuring that any scene that makes me uncomfortable is avoided entirely. I’ve heard some actors yearn for the days without an intimacy coordinator, but I firmly believe that their presence greatly enhances the safety and comfort on set.
In series 2, Barbara meets a Hollywood agent. Was that your big dream too?
The film industry has become remarkably global today. Productions no longer solely happen in Hollywood due to high costs, yet many directors reside there. I’ve always been drawn to that sphere, but thanks to technology advancements like Zoom, physical presence isn’t as essential. Previously, I’d travel annually for a few weeks to network; now, I can connect with people virtually. It’s disheartening to see so many historic studios left idle due to financial constraints – it feels like the golden era of filmmaking may have passed us by.
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You can now enjoy “Funny Woman” on Sky Max and NOW! Here’s a guide on how to subscribe to Sky TV to catch the show.
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2024-09-10 02:36