There's been a great discussion in recent years about representation in films, but there has also been a great discussion about representation in actors as well, and whether actors should be encouraged to tell the stories of their actual identities.
Julianne Moore has expressed some regret over her part in this discussion when it comes to the film The Kids Are All Right.
The film followed Annete Bening and Julianne Moore as a same-sex couple with two children with Mark Ruffalo as the sperm donor. The main plot of the film follows Julianne Moore's struggles as she briefly has an affair with Mark Ruffalo's character.
“I can see why people took issue with a lesbian character having an affair with her sperm donor,” Julianne told Variety on the movie's ten year anniversary. “On the other hand, I think that Jules’ character was someone described as being very fluid, sexually and personally."
However, Julianne mentioned that she wasn't sure she would be cast in the role if the movie was made today. “I’ve thought about that a lot. Here we were, in this movie about a queer family, and all of the principal actors were straight. I look back and go, ‘Ouch. Wow.’”
What do you think? Should we allow for an equal playing field and let LGBT+ actors tell their own stories, or should the best actor/actress get the part regardless of their sexuality? Let us know in the comments!
