While opening up about her decades-long career, Carla Gugino shared that she still has “a little PTSD” from being ignored by male directors on sets because she’s a woman.
During a recent conversation with Game of Thrones star Lena Headey for Interview magazine, the Gerald’s Game actress recalled some of her past experiences with directors.
“I had an instance recently where I needed to assert something important to me and I hesitated because I wondered if it would be perceived as demanding. The difference at this age is that I will just push myself to do it. Ultimately, it was received positively,” Gugino said. “I still do have a little PTSD from a career full of instances where you’re acting with a male actor, and you say to the director, ‘Hey, what about if we try such and such?’ and the male director goes, ‘I don’t think so,’ and then, two minutes later, your fellow actor, who’s an advocate for you, says the exact same thing, and the director’s, ‘Great idea.’”
The Girls on the Bus actress added, “It’s actual insanity. This is when the family has an alcoholic and everybody is just like, ‘That person actually has the power.’ It’s in that vein. We’re going to pretend this is not crazy behavior.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Headey expressed similar toxic experiences but said her perspective changed following a conversation she had with Monica Bellucci.
“She said, ‘Look, just fucking ask for what you want. They’re going to call you a bitch regardless because you’re a woman.’ I thought that’s also true,” Headey recounted. “There are still the residing boys club, always will be.”
However, the two actresses, who are well-established in their careers, both concluded that a lot has “shifted” for the better within the industry.
“Yeah, actually I do see a profound difference,” the Spy Kids alum added. “I do believe we should also have the grace for people to learn and change.”