Lesley Manville, the British actor known for her roles in movies like Phantom Thread and television series like The Crown, has recently expressed her disdain for violence in mainstream media. In a new interview with The Guardian, Manville shared her views on the subject while promoting her new series Citadel, in which she stars alongside Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
Citadel follows the story of a global spy agency that must fight against a powerful syndicate. While talking about her new show, Manville revealed that she cannot watch violent scenes in movies and TV shows. She said, “I can’t watch violence. I don’t watch any.” When asked to elaborate, Manville continued, “It’s a big topic, really. I hate it, basically. I get offended by it. I think it’s really bad news.”
Manville specifically namechecked Game of Thrones, the HBO series that gained widespread acclaim for its gripping storyline and intense violence. She said, “People talk about Game of Thrones. I’ve never been able to watch it. Also, it’s pretty violent towards women. I really don’t want to see that.”
It is not the first time that Game of Thrones has faced criticism for its portrayal of violence, particularly against women. However, Manville’s comments have reignited the debate on whether or not such content is acceptable in mainstream media.
Violence in Mainstream Media
The depiction of violence in mainstream media has long been a topic of discussion among critics and audiences alike. While some argue that it is necessary to portray violence in order to accurately reflect the reality of the world, others believe that it has a negative impact on society.
One of the main criticisms of violence in mainstream media is that it desensitizes viewers to real-life violence. Research has shown that exposure to violent media can lead to increased aggression and decreased empathy in viewers, particularly in children and adolescents.
Furthermore, violence in mainstream media can be triggering and traumatic for those who have experienced violence in their own lives. It can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce negative attitudes towards marginalized groups.
Lesley Manville’s Stance on Violence
Lesley Manville’s stance on violence in mainstream media is clear: she hates it. She believes that it is harmful and offensive, and that it has a negative impact on society. Her comments on Game of Thrones, in particular, highlight the problematic nature of violence against women in media.
Manville’s views are not unique, and many other actors, directors, and writers have also spoken out against violence in mainstream media. However, the debate on the topic continues, and it is likely to be a topic of discussion for years to come.
Conclusion
Lesley Manville’s criticism of violence in mainstream media, including Game of Thrones, has sparked a conversation on the impact of violent content in our society. While there are arguments on both sides of the debate, it is important to consider the potential harm that such content can cause, particularly to vulnerable populations.
At the end of the day, it is up to individual viewers to decide what they are comfortable watching. However, it is important for media producers to be aware of the impact of their content, and to strive to create content that is both entertaining and responsible.
FAQs
Q: Who is Lesley Manville?
A: Lesley Manville is a British actress known for her work on stage, television, and film. She has received numerous awards for her performances, including a BAFTA TV Award for her role in the BBC series Cranford.
Q: What is Citadel?
A: Citadel is a new action series starring Lesley Manville, Richard Madden, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. It follows a global spy agency who must fight against a powerful syndicate.
Q: Why does Lesley Manville hate violence in mainstream media?
A: Lesley Manville finds violence offensive and thinks it is "really bad news." She specifically namechecked Game of Thrones as a show that she cannot watch because it is pretty violent towards women.
Q: What other roles has Lesley Manville played?
A: Lesley Manville has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including The Phantom Thread, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, and The Crown.
Q: What impact can violence in media have on viewers?
A: Violence in media can desensitize viewers to real-life violence and contribute to a culture of violence. It is important to consider the impact that this kind of content can have on viewers and to strive to create media that is both engaging and responsible.