In a recent interview, actress Sharon Stone voiced her confusion over the immense acclaim afforded to her Hollywood counterpart, Meryl Streep, especially when Stone perceives other, equally talented actresses being overlooked in the industry.
Stone's comments surfaced during an interview about her newly released autobiography, sparked by a question about her experience working with Meryl Streep in the film 'Dirty Money'. Stone was quick to criticize the industry's predisposition towards Streep. “I like the way you phrased that, that I was 'finally able to work with her'. You didn't say: 'Meryl finally got to work with Sharon Stone.' You didn't say we were finally able to collaborate. It's as if her life was built to be 'Everyone wants to work with Meryl'. I wonder if she enjoys that,” Stone remarked, questioning Streep's approach.
Stone even went on to compare their performances, particularly in villainous roles, asserting her superiority in antagonistic characters. "I do a much better job as a villain than Meryl, and I'm sure she would admit it herself. Meryl wouldn't have excelled in 'Basic Instinct' or 'Casino'. I would do it better. And I know it. And she knows it. But we're all programmed to believe that only Meryl..." Stone asserted, emphasizing the industry bias that favors Streep.
According to Stone, the industry itself perpetuates this bias, shaping public perception. “The industry was designed for us all to admire and envy Meryl, making her the 'good one', and everyone else must compete against her. While I think she's incredibly talented, there are other actresses who are just as capable as Meryl Streep," Stone explained, pointing out the flaw in this narrative.
Additionally, Stone criticized Streep's seemingly neutral stance on the #MeToo movement, suggesting that Streep may have encountered instances of abuse or harassment in her career but chose silence to maintain her powerful image in the film industry. “I'm certain she has a story, but she's chosen not to share it because speaking out would jeopardize her standing as Meryl, and she wouldn't get more roles. She plays it safe. That's what she does,” Stone concluded.
