Emilia Clarke a well known actress most popularly recognized for her role in “Game of Thrones”. While she has achieved great success in acting. Recently her older films have become hot topics of conversation.
Early Career and Initial Challenges
Emilia Clarke was just 23 when she had been cast in “Game of Thrones”. She previously had limited exposure in the film world and did not have an understanding of her position once on set. Many issues came to light during her first time being cast as a popular character on such a large project.
Nudity and Initial Discomfort
She admitted she was initially unaware of all the nudity that would be present in the series until she began getting the scripts. However she maintained the mindset that whatever is written into the plot should have purpose behind it. Once on set she did have challenges with that concept being put in practice. In her first season she mentioned feeling she had no need or right to ask for any comforts that would have made her job easier.
On Screen Relationships
Though she faced difficulties she mentions Jason Momoa gave support as a costar to provide comfort as they shot many intense scenes for "Game of Thrones". With his experience he took care to provide structure and ensure all actions were correct, as well as looking after the young actress.
Jason Momoa as Protector
Momoa would ensure the crew gave Clarke everything she needed. By asking if she needed her robe so she wouldn't shiver which shows an aspect of his personality as a protective presence in the often intense environment on a film set.
"Me Before You"
Beyond Game of Thrones she has also seen great success in romantic drama roles like “Me Before You” which is an adaptation of a book with a very dedicated audience. With her talent, she played the character “Louisa Clark” or "Lou", with a level of charm that has her praised for her performance.
A Mixed Reception of Storytelling
Though the movie was a success it also sparked a lot of conversation for the disabled community and its view point on how the subject was presented in film. Viewers took offense to how certain things were portrayed as a main plot point of a man choosing suicide rather than life with a disability.
Controversy and Backlash
The film brought controversy among viewers as the characters choices appeared to go against what disabled advocates wanted from media representation. Many protests ensued because it seemed that the view of disabled people would rather choose death rather than be considered a “burden” to family.
Disappointment in the Industry
Many of those who opposed the plot points wanted more inclusion from those who are disabled for parts in movies to avoid stereotypes and harmful content to exist within large productions. It has challenged all forms of productions from here moving forward with diverse voices heard in storytelling.
Personal Reflection on Her Work
Emilia has also stated reasons as to why a body double was not used for her in a fully nude scene. After having this discussion she said she desired to feel “empowered not sexual” in this particular act. She did recall that this has been a talking point but also showed an interest in challenging these stereotypes and views of on screen representations in her past experiences.
Continuing the Growth in Film
She has made attempts to evolve within new spaces with a diverse style of roles in different productions in film and television. Including an executive producer role she has taken the reigns and added more credit as a creative force in addition to her talent on screen.
Recent Projects
Recently, it has been announced she will take the lead role in a 1970’s espionage thriller as well as a voice over role for a new animated musical titled, The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland. She has found her way into a vast variety of different categories that have allowed for different avenues of success and personal interest.
Balancing New Ventures and Longstanding Projects
Her continued presence on a variety of new productions demonstrates her commitment to continuing a career path that will be long and challenging. This diverse range of characters shows off her strengths in different styles and genres of media.
Key Takeaways
- Emilia Clarke is known for her role in Game of Thrones which offered her experiences which were intense as an actress learning her place.
- She chose not to use a body double for certain nude scenes to have creative control and express more freedom through her actions and choices.
- While "Me Before You" was a big success in theaters, it stirred controversy with some within the disabled community due to content and misrepresentation.
- Clarke’s portrayal of characters shows that even challenging roles are still taken with careful thought, grace and determination.
- She remains a significant influence in acting with an ever expanding resume that showcase her strengths within a wide range of genres and productions.