Catherine Hardwicke: Breaking Barriers and Paving the Way for Gender Equality in Hollywood
Catherine Hardwicke, the renowned director behind the blockbuster hit Twilight, recently shared her experience of receiving a “mini cupcake” from the studio after the film’s massive success. This small gesture may seem insignificant, but it speaks volumes about the gender disparity in Hollywood.
In an interview with The Guardian, Catherine recalled walking into the offices of Summit Entertainment, the film’s distributor, and being greeted with gifts and congratulations. However, the box she received contained only a mini cupcake, while her male counterparts were receiving cars, three-picture deals, and the freedom to choose their next project.
Catherine’s success with Twilight, which grossed over $408 million worldwide on a budget of $37 million, should have opened doors for her in the industry. But instead, she faced the harsh reality of gender inequality in Hollywood. She stated, “No, people aren’t going to hire more women directors. They’re not going to give you the next job and let you do something great.” This was a heartbreaking realization for Catherine, who had once declared that she “definitely wasn’t treated like men” in the industry.
Despite her early successes, Catherine noticed a lack of opportunities for women in Hollywood. She turned down the chance to direct the first sequel to Twilight, and later pointed out that the remaining three sequels and other film adaptations of popular young adult novels were not directed by women. This was a missed opportunity to showcase the talent and capabilities of other “badass women” in the industry.
Catherine’s next film after Twilight, Red Riding Hood, proved to be a more challenging experience. She had a lower budget and had to build all the sets for the fantasy movie. She also faced limitations on shooting in real locations, which restricted her creative freedom. This was a stark contrast to her experience with Twilight, where she had more resources and support from the studio.
In a conversation with her alma mater, the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2019, Catherine emphasized the need for gender equality in Hollywood. She stated, “The more we spotlight the disparity and actively work to hire diverse actors and crew, the more we can move the needle!” This is a powerful message from a director who has experienced the gender disparity firsthand.
Catherine’s journey in Hollywood has not been easy, but she has broken barriers and paved the way for gender equality in the industry. Her success with Twilight opened doors for other female directors, and her determination to speak out about the issue has brought attention to the need for change.
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Twilight, it is essential to recognize the impact it had on the film industry. It not only became a cultural phenomenon but also gave a platform to a female director to showcase her talent and prove that women can also deliver blockbuster hits.
Catherine’s story is a reminder that there is still a long way to go in achieving gender equality in Hollywood. But her determination and resilience serve as an inspiration for other women in the industry. As she rightly said, “The more we spotlight the disparity and actively work to hire diverse actors and crew, the more we can move the needle!” It is up to all of us to continue the conversation and actively work towards creating a more inclusive and equal industry for all.
