Léa Seydoux, the renowned French actress who has made a successful transition into Hollywood blockbusters like the James Bond and Dune franchises, recently shed light on the contrasting experiences for female actors in Europe versus America.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar U.K., Seydoux candidly expressed that she finds the industry in America to be “harsh on women.” She voiced her concerns about the pressure on actresses to maintain their desirability and marketability as they age, stating, “I don’t want to be afraid not to be desirable or to lose my contract.”
Seydoux believes that in America, the economic motivations often override artistic freedom for actresses. “When it becomes a matter of making money you lose your freedom. I don’t feel comfortable with the fact that you have to tick all the boxes,” she explained.
In contrast, she feels she has “more freedom” as a European actress, allowing her to focus on enjoyment rather than conforming to the industry’s molds. “I’m not trying to be popular, I’m just trying to enjoy myself. In America you have to conform. I don’t want to adapt myself to the system, I want the system to adapt to me!” she asserted.
Seydoux acknowledged the challenges non-American actors face in securing leading roles in major Hollywood films, stating, “It’s tough for someone who’s not totally American to lead a Hollywood film.” However, she expressed appreciation for the imaginative opportunities Hollywood has provided her, as she gets to “adapt” herself to diverse roles.
Her sentiments echo the concerns raised by many actresses about the limited roles available to women as they age in the industry, a issue recently highlighted by Phoebe Dynevor, the 28-year-old Bridgerton star, who lamented the scarcity of opportunities for actresses in her age bracket compared to their male counterparts.
Seydoux’s candid reflections shed light on the ongoing conversation about the disparities and pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry, particularly in Hollywood.