The women in Hollywood will always be scrutinised by the elite that surround them. Regardless of which age they are and whether they age gracefully or with a face full of botox, women will always bear the brunt of misogynistic brutality in Hollywood.
Recently at the 2014 Elle Awards, Renee Zellweger’s face sent gossip columns and celebrity magazines all over the world into over drive. She started trending on Twitter with many users mocking her face even news tabloids started joining in via social media.
MSN “Guys, something’s happened to Renee Zellweger’s face. #HalloweensComeEarly”
Yahoo “Seriously… we’re sort of freaked out by the whole ordeal #ReneeZellweger
The Independent “Renee Zellweger looks unrecognisable in these photos” (Displayed with a photo of a wooden chair)
Although Zellweger’s face has undeniably changed that attention received by internet trolls who has relentlessly tagged words such as #MadameTussaudsCalledTheyWantYouBack, #creepy and #scary, “shocked” emojis were used and memes created.
This type of social media trolling has become a familiar and popular form of bullying although many may not see it as such it has been condemned by anti-bullying charities such as The Cybersmile Foundation. Zellweger has responded to the media reaction by saying, “I’m glad folks think I look different! I’m living a different, happy, more fulfilling life, and I’m thrilled that perhaps it shows,”
Her new look may not be down to plastic surgery, instead it can be for numerous non-surgical reasons such as maintaining a healthier lifestyle and most importantly being happier and content. These changes are what we should applaud in an industry as cut throat as Hollywood who have always favoured the youthful fresh faced women often adorned in blockbuster movies.
The reaction to Zellweger’s face says more about us and the industry then it does about her. As a woman in her 40’s why do we hold any expectations on how a woman should age? As a female in my 20’s the pressure to look good is already embedded in me but when I reach my 40’s I plan to slow down and relax.
Despite all the rumours and abuse that have been circulating for the past few days, Zellweger has displayed nothing but happiness. It is clear that what others are saying and will continue to say about her means nothing. If anything, this will give her career a boost and will help in allowing women to age as they wish.
Zellweger who is 45, has a long list of hit movies such as Jerry Maguire, Chicago and Bridget Jones’ Diary. She has also won the best supporting actress Oscar for her role in Cold Mountain. She will next be seen in her new movie The Whole Truth which is to be released in 2015.