Jude Law, the talented British actor who captivated audiences with his portrayal of Dickie Greenleaf in the 1999 film The Talented Mr. Ripley, is speaking out about the objectifying attention he faced early in his Hollywood career. Law's work on the film not only earned him acclaim but also transformed him from a primarily theater actor to one of the most sought-after leading men, making him akin to a sex symbol among fans.
Reflecting on this shift, Law noted, "If you were a woman, people would have been told off for objectifying you," during his interview with Variety. His frustration stemmed from the overt attention to his looks rather than his talents as an actor. He reminisced about being titled People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" just five years after the film's release, admitting it was around this time he began to feel uncomfortable with being pigeonholed due to his appearance.
Law, who rose to fame alongside stars like Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow, not only excelled as Dickie but also showcased versatility through subsequent roles. He would go on to achieve another Oscar nomination for his performance in Cold Mountain. Yet, with fame came heightened scrutiny, leaving him feeling "invaded" as his private life became the focus of media frenzy, particularly during his divorce from Sadie Frost and his relationship with actress Sienna Miller.
During another interview with The Guardian, he spoke about the introduction of emotional safety measures for actors. "I would have welcomed an intimacy coach," he stated, expressing how these measures provide comfort both for actors involved and the crew. Law emphasized the importance of knowing boundaries, paralleling the preparation needed for fight scenes. "It’s about comfort – comfort for you and comfort for everyone else," he explained.
Aging has also been on Law's mind. He stated, "I’m very happy aging. There is a physical aspect to the job, but equally the business is about how you’re perceived." He acknowledged the pressures associated with maintaining certain appearances and was quick to note how much harder it is for women. This reflection takes on even more significance as he continues to evolve as both an actor and individual.
The actor fondly reminisced about the 1990s, recognizing it as a creative and formative time for him personally. "I was very fortunate to be... at age at [that] decade," he recalled, also noting how social media has altered the dynamics for actors and their fans. He expressed nostalgia for the privacy of his youth, contrasting it with today’s constant digital connectivity.
On privacy, Law opined, "I’d have probably built [that] wall a little earlier," referring to his wish for more boundaries between his public and private life, which media scrutiny only intensified. Recognizing the persona curated by public perception is something he feels has often overshadowed his true self.
Currently, Law stars as Jod Na Nawood in the Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. His commitment to his craft continues to shine through as he embraces both the challenges and rewards of his career, now more focused on the art than the superficialities of fame.
