Sir Anthony Hopkins says he never tolerated tyrannical directors who believed they could bully actors on set.
He recalls one director who started shouting at a young actress while giving her notes. Hopkins immediately stepped in.
“Hold it. You raise your voice one decibel to this lady and i’m going. And you my dear, should leave as well”
Afterward, the actress thanked him. Hopkins then asked how long the director had been treating her that way.
“How long has he been doing that?”
She told him it had been happening throughout the entire film.
For Hopkins, no performance or movie was worth allowing someone to be humiliated on set.
“Don’t raise your voice. It’s a film. It’s a stupid film. That’s all it is. It’s not important.”
My grandmother said, “A woman shouldn't be too independent because men don't like feeling unnecessary.” I asked her, “Why should a woman make herself smaller just to make a man feel bigger?” She said, “Because relationships require compromise.” I said, “Compromise is meeting halfway. Giving up your independence so someone else feels powerful isn't compromise.” My father then said, “But every man wants to feel needed.” I looked at him and said, “Then be the kind of man someone chooses even when she doesn't need you.” Nobody said anything after that. And honestly, I think that's the kind of standard more people should have.