(Cover) - EN Movies - Rachel Weisz finds it sexist when people say she likes playing “strong characters”.
The British actress has carved out a successful career in Hollywood, having won an Oscar for her performance as an activist in The Constant Gardener. Her next role sees her play wicked witch Evanora in Oz: The Great and Powerful, and she also played a doctor in The Bourne Legacy. Rachel doesn’t understand why people make a fuss about women playing confident characters, but don’t make the same comments about male Hollywood stars.
“But I never really understand when people say that I like playing strong characters,” she told British newspaper The Sun. “I always find that a little weird because, I could be wrong, but I don’t think people ever say that to men. It’s like, well what should I play, a weak character' Does that mean that I can lift weights' I guess it means strong-minded, right'
“But it’s weird because people never say that about a male actor — Michael Fassbender or George Clooney, for example — that they love playing strong characters. It’s a weird gender thing.”
The 42-year-old star also spoke about Hollywood’s obsession with ageing. Rachel insists she doesn’t worry about work drying up as she gets older, as she would consider pursuing theatre projects if movie roles aren’t available.
“It’s not something I really worry about. There are incredible actresses, Susan Sarandon, Helen Mirren, Charlotte Rampling, Meryl Streep, who prove that you don’t get banished when you hit a certain age,” she explained. “And if Hollywood doesn’t want me, I’ll go and do lots of plays.”
Rachel is known for starring in hard-hitting independent movies, so appearing in Oz: The Great and Powerful was a risk for her. However, she hopes fans will appreciate seeing a new side to her.
“It could be good, it could be bad, who knows' Obviously I am still very, very committed to making independent films. And that’s what I’ll probably do mostly,” she added before comparing her character to her role in The Constant Gardener. “I guess they are strong-minded – the character in The Constant Gardener is trying to save people’s lives and is willing to sacrifice her life for what she believes in.
“My character in Oz just wants to kill everyone to be in charge.”
Oz: The Great and Powerful is released worldwide from March.
