Emma Thompson blasts Audrey Hepburn

[kokoro]

Originally Posted by Dodfather

I couldn't agree with these comments more. Sorry, but Audrey really wasn't a talented actress, and certainly not a musical one. The fact that Julie Andrews had the role on Broadway and then had it taken away from her and given to Audrey really was shocking. Julie sung every word on her own and no dubbing would have been needed. Daryl Zanuck, head of Fox, took the film away from her because she wasn't enough of a "big name" for the lead. Instead, Julie did Mary Poppins and got the last laugh when she and Audrey were both up for the lead actress Oscar the following year, which Julie rightly won: "and my biggest thanks go to Daryl Zanuck who made all of this possible".

Before you say that I'm basing this opinion purely on Breakfast At Tiffany's (which I don't like) I have seen several other films with Audrey (Charade, Roman Holiday, The Children's Hour, Sabrina etc) and I'm really not a fan.

Audrey insisted that Julie get the movie part, but the head honchos refused. If Audrey turned it down, it would have just gone to Elizabeth Taylor who was next in line, so Audrey felt she deserved it just as much as the next actress. Julie certainly didn't hold anything against her. And Audrey's snub and Julie's Mary Poppins win was just one more disgusting example of politics in the Academy. That comment by Julie sure was great though! However, it was aimed at Jack Warner, not Daryl Zanuck.

I really do recommend that you see The Nun's Story, Two for the Road, and Wait Until Dark. It sounds like all of the Audrey movies you've seen are the lighter ones (aside from The Children's Hour). But, hey, if Audrey is not your cup of tea, then she isn't your cup of tea.

Originally Posted by GypsySorcerer

I agree that My Fair Lady is terrible, and my complaint has always been the same as Thompson's -- all the bite from the original Pygmalion is gone.

The thing is, the movie is based on a musical play that's based on Pygmalion. Audrey was just following the script, so it's hardly her fault that it lacks bite.

And it's completely contradictory of Emma to say "I find it chocolate-boxy, clunky and deeply theatrical," and then proceed to say that Cecil Beaton's clothing and set designs and Rex Harrison's performance make the movie great. They were the ones that made it overly theatrical, not Audrey! But she praises them and talks smack about the girl.

She just seems to have it out for Audrey for no reason. Also, it's one thing to not be a fan of someone, but you don't resort to name calling in an interview like this. Audrey certainly never did such a thing.

Frankly, I think Emma is a great actress (though I didn't like her Oscar winning role in Howard's End), but more recently, I've found myself less fond of her personality.

[Dodfather]

[QUOTE=kokoro;904780]

Originally Posted by Dodfather

Audrey's snub and Julie's Mary Poppins win was just one more disgusting example of politics in the Academy. That comment by Julie sure was great though! However, it was aimed at Jack Warner, not Daryl Zanuck.

My God! Reading this back I see that I did say Zanuck - that's terrible! Of course it was Jack Warner!! Here is an embarassed I don't know where that came from...

But no, you're right - she just isn't my cup of tea. For me there's only one Haepburn and it's gotta be Kate.

[GypsySorcerer]

Originally Posted by kokoro

The thing is, the movie is based on a musical play that's based on Pygmalion. Audrey was just following the script, so it's hardly her fault that it lacks bite.

And it's completely contradictory of Emma to say "I find it chocolate-boxy, clunky and deeply theatrical," and then proceed to say that Cecil Beaton's clothing and set designs and Rex Harrison's performance make the movie great. They were the ones that made it overly theatrical, not Audrey! But she praises them and talks smack about the girl.

I hate the musical as well. Like I said, I think Audrey was fine considering the material. And I agree about Rex Harrison. Thought he was awful.

[rubytuesday]

100% agree with Emma Thompson who, by the way, is the funniest and most charming woman to have ever lived! I don't know why people equate age with quality. Hepburn's acting was kinda crap whereas Emma Thompson is brilliant and on top of that it's only something she fell into after writing and performing comedy. She's from the Cambridge Footlights!!