I’ve been parceling out the September issue covers, but suffice to say, the trend for this year’s September covers was to honor amazing black women, from Beyonce to Rihanna to Lupita and more. Harper’s Bazaar Australia didn’t get the memo – Cate Blanchett is their September cover girl. I’m really not feeling this cover though. Don’t get me wrong, I actually like Cate, still, despite her Woody Allen and Roman Polanski vague apologia. I’ve always thought Cate was strikingly beautiful and ageless. But this cover makes her look… worked on. Like she’s had some bad eye work or she overdid some Botox. I don’t know. Anyway, here are some highlights from the interview:
On turning 50 next year: “I think about [turning 50] on an existential level, sure, but on a career level, I refuse. It’s important to keep karate-chopping those doors down and creating new opportunities not just for yourself, but also for those who are coming up behind you. I’m not panicking on a work level. It’s more that there are so many lives I want to live.”
On actors and their limits: “When it suits the media, you’re an actress of international standing with relative intelligence. But veer outside your perceived remit and you’re a ‘celebrity.’ I don’t ever see that happen to men in the banking sector who take on philanthropic causes.”
On sharing her political views with her family: She said there are a lot of ‘oh no, not again’ reactions from her children when she tries to discuss social issues at home. “There’s a lot of eye-rolling. We took our nine-year-old to Jordan, but we make a point of not lecturing them. It’s actually interesting to hear them talk when they think you’re out of earshot…”
What she would discuss with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, if given the chance: “I’d talk about off-shore processing [of refugees] and the absolute importance of upholding the human rights convention.”
I didn’t realize she was turning 50 in the next year. She’s right to not even concentrate on that at a career level – she’s gotten some of her best roles in her 40s, and she won a second Oscar in her 40s, and she’s got more work offers than she can keep up with. It helps that she’s so devoted to the theater too – if Hollywood stops calling, she would be able to do any play she wanted on Broadway, or in London or Australia. She’s just one of those actresses who will always get work. Now, I totally feel her on the “I think about ageing on an existential level.” How could you not? I have a birthday coming up and it’s f–king painful.
Cover courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar Australia, additional photos courtesy of WENN.
Last year she was straight up killin it – I thought she had some subtle work done at that time, and she looked amazing.
But lately I noticed the same thing – a little too much work. So sad! Hope she can lay off the fillers
I just love her. She gave a real tour de force performance in Blue Jasmine, yes, but I thought she was truly sublime in Carol.
Kaiser, I’m truly sorry your upcoming birthday is “f-ing painful” for you. We live in a very age-ist culture, and also, it is difficult to admit that every year our bodies disintegrate a bit more, and we can’t live forever. But there’s terrific freedom after menopause, to have sex with no worries and be free of PMS. There’s real freedom when you retire and can truly be boss of your own life and set your own hours and agenda. There’s real joy in giving up all your younger-year ideas of what would make you happy, and instead relishing small blessings, old friends, and young beginnings. Old age has its’ indignities and sorrows, but it also has many blessings. LASTLY, you have to die to make more room for the next generation, so at least f-ing ENJOY every birthday! CLAIM IT AS YOUR DAY, folks, and live it up like the queen/goddess you are!! <3
@nikki – that was a lovely comment and so nice to read! Thank you!
Couldn’t put it better Nikki!!
Great post! very inspiring, thank you.
The Ageism surrounding us is so unfair and hostile.
@Nikki your words are an inspiration!!!! Thank you for those beautiful words!!! I have never been afraid of aging as I think gaining wisdom and experience is the best part of being alive. I hope I keep learning and growing (mentally, emotionally) as long as I live. Of course being chronically ill would suckass but every other part of aging, I really like so far (I am 45). I never dye my hair and people in the street compliment my silvery hair and ask if it is natural or if I had it “done”! And what a relief not to worry about all the dumb s–t I used to worry about when younger.
I am sorry aging is stressful for you, Kaiser.
I’m 56, just retired, starting a new career, and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I miss my kids, but I have a real “Don’t like me, then go away,” attitude. I am far less sensitive than I used to be.
There is great freedom in aging for those of us blessed enough to be able to age. I am grateful to be where I am in good health and a decent financial position.
Just turned 48 this week, and I agree, but I say claim it as your month!
Totally agree. I just turned 35 last week, i remain unphased. I’m overweight but I’m healthy, I’m single and I’m happy, I’m a mom and I’m tired lol
Aging doesn’t scare me because I’m enjoying every minute, I tell people I love them at every opportunity, I leave nothing on the table. if I ever i don’t wake I don’t want any regrets. I say yes when I really want to, and no problems saying no either. Every day is another opportunity to live your best life. No cliche here just honest to goodness gratitude for every day.
I love your comment, Boo! (And others’ too!)
Hear Hear.
The way Australia is leaning choosing Cate, with her political views, is probably considered avant-garde there. Saying that, though, I do admire her and her artistic skills.
And yes, too much volume in her cheeks.
She is and always has been my girl crush, my hero. This is the first time I’ve ever noticed her face being “off” and it pains me on a very deep level.
+1
I actually like her face on that cover, my first reaction was “Wow, ballsy, make-up free !”. I think she looks gorgeous.
I don’t think she has anything to worry about; I do believe that she’s going to be just fine professionally and I am certain that she own’t have problems getting good roles.
Remember when Malcolm Turnbull was the Prime Minister of Australia?
“Cheer up, things could be worse”, they said. So we cheered up, and sure enough, things got worse.
I had a dear friend who bravely battled osteosarcoma for over eight years before dying at the age of 22. This young woman had so many plans for her life – many which she pursued right until the end of her life – and anytime I feel self-conscious about being a year away from 40, I remind myself that there are so many people who want to be 40 but are denied. Getting older is a privilege. Its not a right or a guarantee so I wish society would stop with the ageism and notion that getting older is somehow undesirable or a personal flaw. Life can be taken away so quickly so we should embrace and be grateful for the ability to celebrate another year of life instead of dwelling on the superficial aspects of aging or longing for our youth.
I returned to school at 38 to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher, despite some people warning me that I will be “too old” to compete with twenty-something graduates for teaching jobs. I don’t want to leave this world without at least trying to achieve my dreams because I have witnessed the fragility of life and the heartbreak of not being able to pursue the life you want to live. My friend wanted to live so badly. It broke my heart to watch her slowly die. She did inspire me with her determination to pursue her goals even when she knew the end was near. She was strong and full of positivity and I hope to be more like her as I continue on in my life.