Posted by Adam

Sunday December 12, 2010

HELEN Mirren believes there are few quality roles for actresses in the movie industry.

The British actress — who stars alongside Russell Brand in new movie The Tempest — says male actors are often treated more fairly than women by film executives.

“I resent in my life the survival of some very mediocre male actors and the professional demise of some very brilliant female ones,” she said.

“However, with all due respect to you many brilliant and successful women out there, really not too much has changed in… Hollywood filmmaking that continues to worship at the altar of the 18 to 25-year-old male and his penis.”

Mirren — who is often highlighted as one of the most beautiful Hollywood actresses — recently admitted she’s a “bit cross” so much is made of her looks because it means women feel pressured into always appearing their best.

Asked how it makes her feel to be a beauty role model in her 60s, she said, “A bit cross, actually. We have to let go of this c**p. It creates even more pressure on women, and I certainly don’t want to be a part of that. I’m not beautiful; I clean up nice.

“Why don’t we talk about the fact, for example, that I just did Arthur, and the cinematographer was a woman, the film operator was a woman, the whole camera team were women? That’s where we should be putting our attention. The fact that I look good at the age I am is bloody irrelevant.”

Tags: helen mirren