I kept seeing this Kirsten Dunst cover for The Edit a few days ago, but I kept ignoring it because Kiki’s interviews these days are… odd. Not “bad” so much as… difficult to parse. There was that interview she gave where she tried to explain how 1950s gender roles are the best, and that’s why relationships work. Then there was her W Magazine interview where she claimed that she’s never done the casting couch thing because “I don’t give off that vibe.” Thankfully, her interview with The Edit isn’t full of verbal landmines – you can read the full interview here. Some highlights:
She spends a lot of time flying undercover in London: “I’m lucky, because if I need to, I feel like I can escape myself. So when I’m not watching The Bachelor on TV and eating English breakfasts, I’ll come here, eat a lot of bangers and mash and drink Guinness.”
She hasn’t been making ‘safe’ career choices: “You forget that not everyone goes to see independent films. The other day this guy said to me: ‘Were you in the Spiderman movies?’ When I said yeah, he asked: ‘Do you make movies anymore?’ For most people, if you’re not in mainstream cinema, it’s like you’ve vanished.”
She’s gained some weight & she’s fine with it: “I’ve got a little bit more of a tummy now, so although I own about 20 pairs of jeans, I’ll wear the same three for a year because the rest are from when I was skinnier. I guess if I wasn’t comfortable and in a relationship I’d be thinner. When you’re with someone, you eat so much more and you chill out a bit – but I don’t criticize myself more than is healthy, because there’s such a lot of that, isn’t there? Whether it’s girls among themselves or gossip magazines, it’s all about women tearing apart other women. I don’t get why that’s so prevalent right now.”
Botoxing in Hollywood: “If you’re going to be an actress who is lasting and still working when she’s older, you can’t have stuff done because you just look weird, and you certainly can’t be in period films. I’ve heard of men doing it too, and I get so distracted by it. I can’t even see their performance because I’m just thinking, ‘What did they do to their face?’ ‘Filling’ is definitely the worst thing people do; it makes everyone look puffy. No, the prettiest women to me are the ones who have let themselves age. Kristin Scott Thomas in Nowhere Boy looked absolutely gorgeous. So I feel like there is a way to age gracefully and maybe just do a peel now and again to maintain your looks but not change them.”
Taking time off: “Because I started so young I feel like I can take time off now. If my career ended tomorrow I would be proud of the films that I’ve done. God, that sounds so dramatic. But I don’t buy that stuff about things getting harder for actresses as they get older. Actually, I think it’s going to get easier. I mean, it’s the golden age of television and I’m only about five years away from doing a TV show, for sure. I’m not going to record an album or anything but I would definitely do a musical movie. Basically, I’m pretty much game for anything.”
She also addressed the issue of her teeth, which used to be discussed a lot. Kiki says that people in the industry “subtly” suggested to her repeatedly that she should get her teeth fixed but Sofia Coppola told her not to give in, and Kiki went with Sofia’s advice. As for girl-on-girl judgments, of course she has a point. But like I always say, everybody judges. We all judge. Kiki judges too, that’s why she believes in 1950s gender roles and why she throws shade at actresses who are victimized by casting couch situations. That’s why she’s judging people who get fillers… although I completely agree with her. People getting fillers these days look so friggin’ weird and puffy.
Photos courtesy of The Edit.
All the people (men and women) who say women are “the worst” to each other? They’re ignorantly refusing to see the clear pattern of patriarchy and the obvious effects of the male gaze on our collective consciousness. Sure, insecure women constantly shoot each other down and gobble up gossip magazines… but why are they insecure? For the most part, it’s because of the unrealistic standards perpetuated by men, for men.
God, I used to love her so much, and I just wish she’d stop being so dense about the fact that the fashion and entertainment industries STILL revolve around the objectification of women, and that the onus of blame doesn’t fall squarely on them alone.
Thank you thank you thank you.
I admit I’ve never been a fan of hers, but when I saw her at the Cannes “Melancholy” interview beside the brilliant and thoughtful Charlotte Gainsbourg, any respect I had for her tanked. She is thick as ham, inarticulate, and super messed up about gender stuff. A running thread with her, apparently.
I still have no idea what Sofia C sees in her.
Yup and now this ‘But I don’t buy that stuff about things getting harder for actresses as they get older.’ too?
What is wrong with her, even Reese Witherspoon can hide her bitch better than this one! Or maybe she knows she doesn’t have to try because people don’t care enough.
I do have to say that when Lars von Trier went off a Nazi tangent, Dunst was NOT having it while Gainsbourg just laughed. And she’s still working with LVT.
Yes, God help me I like her. But she grew up in Hollywood and her lack of education and perspective shows; she is not too bright.
“but why are they insecure? For the most part, it’s because of the unrealistic standards perpetuated by men, for men.” Well, I suppose that fashion magazines ets perpetuate unrealistic standards for women BY women. Because it sells, and because there are lots of women who will be gladly objectified and/or make profit only from their looks alone, without having to do something more evolved. And because it’s sort of an ego- game for people with narrow minds. We, as women, should take responsibility for our behavior to each other.
and yes, Fashion and entertainment industries revolve around objectification (of both men and women) – that’s not gonna change, because it’s fun, lol! I wouldnt watch Lord of the rings, if it wasnt full of handsome men! The thing is, that if u have diverse interests and intelligent upbringing, you have other stuff to aspire to than to become a perfect doll. So it’s up to every individual – to not let objectification rule your world.
The fashion industry is male dominated, too, including magazines. It comes down to the system vs individual dichotomy, when the system is patrichial, it shapes the behaviour of individuals by dictating what is considered socially conform behaviour.
Ooof. I worked in beauty and skincare and then fashion at the beginning of my career. It’s incredibly male dominated and geared toward male ideals of women. Yes there are women who perpetuate it in the industry, but they’re working within the narrow parameters laid out by men.
Zoe and Stella already said what I was going to say, so I’ll add this: acknowledging the effects of the patriarchy isn’t the same thing as absolving yourself from all responsibility. I didn’t say women didn’t attack other women, or that it wasn’t their fault at all (in fact, that’s why I added the word “alone” at the end).
But this idea — that if women connect unrealistic standards (and other forms of oppression) to male privilege, they’re giving themselves immunity and doing nothing to stop it — is the very same argument used by men’s rights activists. Acknowledging male privilege isn’t blaming every single man and forgiving every single woman; it’s simply standing back, taking stock of human history, and recognizing that women still don’t have the same agency, value, or power as men do. It most *definitely* won’t change until women do something about it (just as women didn’t get the vote until suffragists took action). But that doesn’t mean women are solely responsible for changing it, or that society as a whole shouldn’t recognize male privilege and challenge it at every turn.
I hope she won’t get her teeth ‘fixed’ ever. They give her smile a certain something and in a good way. Everybody else in Hollywood has teeth that are either too straight, too white, too big or too creepy.
I agree that she shouldn’t get her teeth ‘fixed’ as in straightened. She is beautiful and unique in that way. I also think she is a decent actress. The only thing that bothers me about her is how yellow her teeth are. I’m sorry if I’m coming across judgemental:/. I really try not to. I’m a blue collared working woman and if I can afford to take good care of my teeth, then I know she can! I still remember walking out of the movie theater with a gf when the first Spidey movie came out and both of us horrified FOR HER at how yellow her teeth looked on the big screen:/. Girl, you are pretty!!! Just clean it up a bit! I miss seeing you in movies!!!
Actually bleaching your teeth weakens them over time so I would not call that “taking care” of them. It’s not an important health habit or anything
I thought she had them straightened?
Dolce crema, I didn’t mention bleaching. I’m talking about brushing her teeth on a regular basis with Colgate. No need to misconstrue my statement. Looks like our definition of taking care of ourselves differ.
Lisa, a person can still brush their teeth AND have them yellow over time. Implying that she doesn’t brush her teeth because they are a bit yellow is a huge stretch, IMO. Maybe she just drinks a lot of coffee.
Personally I like the small “imperfections” that people have. It makes them unique.
Yes! I see beauty in these imperfections.
Hm. I was pretty sure she did have her teeth fixed… she may not have veneers, but her eye teeth used to really stick out – they don’t anymore. Invisalign?
Comparrison shots?
Or rather when did you notice this difference so I can seek out photos?
If you google her with before/after, you can see it. Her teeth are still her own (I’m assuming) but they are more straight now. I didn’t notice it, but I thought it was pointed out (maybe even here?) when she did a mag spread a few years ago?
Although – I suppose they could’ve moved naturally into a less prominent alignment? Perhaps if she had her wisdom teeth removed? IDK…
I am leaning towards wisdom teeth removal. Only because my teeth did just that.
And teeth can keep readjusting. To assume any movement for better or worse can only come from work being done doesn’t hold water.
i agree.
her teeth look more even and less snaggly. her front teeth used to be much shorter than the rest, especially compared to her eye teeth, which made her look fangy with a lot of gum. she could have veneers on the front ones to even them all out.
they still look natural, not like the chompy denture look most celebrities get.
I agree LK. I like Kiki’s teeth. They set her apart from looking like every other blond actress in Hollywood. It’s like actresses no longer have any unique features. I thought Jewel made a mistake in fixing her teeth.
As an adult owner of crooked teeth (grew up in poor family, so braces were not an option) I can tell you there is a lot more than vanity involved in fixing your teeth as an adult. I used to say I wouldn’t fix mine because they are part of ‘who I am’, but now I am planning on braces soon. My teeth are still part of me, the difference I that I’d like them to be part of me as long as possible. Crooked teeth are harder to care for, and as a result typically end up pulled and replaced by partials/dentures at a younger age. I feel weird going in for braces now, but it’s the best choice. I imagine Jewel may have recieved similar advice. Kirsten’s teeth may not be crooked enough to result in that advice. Who knows
I never found her especially pretty, talented or intelligent. I guess that’s because I’m an insecure woman.
I do agree that it’s harder to stay thin when you’re in a relationship. When I was single, I ate broiled chicken and broccoli or similar for dinner almost every night. Now I cook more interesting dinners for my husband and of course I want to eat them. I had to learn to give myself much smaller portions, but it’s easier for me to overeat now.
LOL..I love me some Kiki.
Yeah I also notice that when I’m in a serious relationship, I tend to eat as much as the guy I’m seeing. In other words, I eat man-sized portions.
Also, I want her boyfriend. Badly.
I also tend to match the guy drink for drink, which is not helpful, either.
I have to keep reminding my boyfriend NOT to split things down the middle (we tend to share food a lot). He is 6′ 3″ and I am a foot shorter! I tell him to cut it 2/3rds, or 60/40 if he feels guilty. Eating like your significant other is such an easy habit to get into, though.
I’ve never noticed her teeth. Therefore her teeth are fine.
I like the photoshoot and the things she said in this interview (good thing, since she was spouting some random bs in the previous ones).
What is the matter with her teeth??
People said she had baby teeth. Considering most other actors being told this (Affleck) get veneers you rarely see them with smaller teeth. Good for her for keeping them.
I know a lot of ladies that put on those love pounds. They get their partner and spend more time snuggling and cook more elaborate meals. It happens.
On the other side I know many woman who got thinner, maintained, or toned up from being in a relationship. They wanted to look better and/or feel better. Not out of being insecure, but to get the most out of their time with someone else. Physical fitness wasn’t going to hold them back from doing anything.
And all those elaborate meals? They can eat them and still stay fit.
When i’m happy I exercise. When i’m unhappy I skip the gym and eat junk. To each their own.
Kiki looks amazing with her unusual teeth and “extra” weight which I fail to see. I would like to see her in more movies. Winona Ryder and Kiki represent the movies I watched when I was a kid: Little women, Jumanji, etc.
I’m really fond of Kirsten Dunst. She’s super talented, her role as Justine in Melancholia being just one of the first that comes to mind.
I think people fixate too much on her statements regarding gender role. That was obviously her opinion on something that suited her more. I didn’t read that as some sort of ”guidelines” people should live their lives by.
She should really consider going the TV route since it seems to be more generous to actresses. I also heard she might be a condenter for the second season of True Detective.
I think she will kill it in True Detective.
I doubt the female character will get much to do.
Me too, Grace. I’m all for her doing some TV.
Melancholia is a rough watch. She also did a fantastic job in it. That movie put me and everyone I watched with in a horribly depressed state. I want to see it again because it was so good, but I have to work myself up to it.
Dunst would be awesome in True Detective. Shows on premium stations have a better set of programs. More like Movies imo.
Haha, I feel exactly the same. I loved it. It was beautiful and heartrending, and the actors did an amazing job. But I’m too afraid to watch it for now.
Oh Grace! At least i’m not alone here. That movie should really come with a warning. Beautiful film and incredibly well written story line.
It’s not something to watch on a whim though.
“So when I’m not watching The Bachelor on TV and eating English breakfasts, I’ll come here, eat a lot of bangers and mash and drink Guinness.”
so, she watches bad tv and eats a lot of salty pork?
I’m a both a die hard feminist and a die hard Kiki lover even if we fundamentally disagree on all things gender related. She’s Amber Atkins, Lux Lisbon and Torrence Shipman. Follow that up with role after interesting adult role and she has one of the most fascinating careers of any actress working today.
^^Yes!! I love Drop Dead Gorgeous and The Virgin Suicides. Forever. And Marie Antoinette.
I always found her, in her younger years, to be quite well adjusted and level headed in interviews. People change, and while she has said some odd things about a lot of things, I think she could be doing a lot worse. Her crack antics seem to be behind her, and I hope to see her in more movies, tv, I don’t care. She is who she is, and may not agree with all she says, I still like her.
Agree. I don’t agree with all she says, but I still like her and she’s a really good actress.
Over time I’ve thrown side-eye at some of her comments, but at heart I’m a long-time Kiki fan. Her filmography is full of intriguing roles as you mentioned and I’ve always enjoyed watching her onscreen. Lainey wrote a “Why not Kirsten Dunst?” piece the other day to suggest her for the female lead on the new True Detective. I say YES.
I like her. And I think her boyfriend is delicious.
I like Kiki. She’s one of the few that got out of drugs and alcohol and seems to stay away from it all. I like her imperfect teeth. I like that even though she is large-breasted, she’s never displayed them like they define her. I like that she’s been with Garrett Hedlund for a while now and they seem really in love.
I understand what she means about being thinner when you’re single. It just happens that way. You’re running around with your friends all the time, occupied and busy. When you get comfortable in a new relationship, you’re usually staying in more and…yeah, eating more. Obviously Garrett likes her just the way she is.