Emma Thompson: Audrey Hepburn Couldn't Act

I'm all for honesty, but I don't think I've ever heard anyone say this about Audrey Hepburn before, so I hope Emma Thompson really means it and isn't just saying it to get a rise out of people. Thompson is, of course, one of the more singularly talented film and theatrical performers we have. She's a blisteringly good actress, adept at just about everything as well as being an Oscar-winning screenwriter. And when the subject of her new rewrite of My Fair Lady was broached during press rounds for Nanny McPhee Returns, Thompson shot holes in the Audrey Hepburn mystique. "I was thrilled to be asked to do it because, having a look at it, I thought that there needs to be a new version. I'm not hugely fond of the film. I find Audrey Hepburn fantastically twee," Thompson said.

"Twee is whimsy without wit. It's mimsy-mumsy sweetness without any kind of bite. And that's not for me. She can't sing and she can't really act, I'm afraid. I'm sure she was a delightful woman -- and perhaps if I had known her I would have enjoyed her acting more, but I don't and I didn't, so that's all there is to it, really."

Bam! Now, I'll admit, My Fair Lady approaches the list of the most overrated films in history. That's your Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor winner over Dr. Strangleove? Not even remotely, but that's the way it shook out. Eight Oscars for My Fair Lady, a serviceable, polished musical that certainly seems more like an obligatory nominee in a few categories than anything else. So, at least on that front, I have no objection to Thompson's comments. But on the whole? Might be a bit of an overreach, not that I'd put Hepburn in the pantheon or anything.

Comments

[J.Bradley]

It's like this: If you're remaking something that isn't well regarded and you think you can do it better, okay. But if it's something that's well regarded and you slam it and leave the impression you're gonna' do it better - YOU BETTER DO IT BETTER! It's just best to say "That was then, the new version is now" and leave it at that - in this era where remakes are a dime a dozen.

[Jon]

Emma Thompson doesn't light up the screen like Audrey Hepburn. She has no "Breakfast at Tiffany's" on her resume. And as far as acting goes, she would do well to watch "Two for the road". I can't think of any Emma Thompson film that comes close. It's a little bit like Stephen Dorff saying John Wayne couldn't act.

[Reality_Bites_Too]

Emma Thompson is a talentless dyke from gayboy island, and the star was bought and not based on any accomplishments as it hasn't accomplished anything. Trolling to market this movie isn't accomplishing anything, either. If Thompson felt it had to spew that ugly junk about someone undeserving of it, it shouldn't have spewed it. Thompson is worthless and talentless now more than ever before.

[homeless dad]

reality bites isn't too fond of emma thompson apparently. side note, my best friend's bong's name is audrey hepbong.

[irevamp]

Reality_Bites_Too: You say that like it's a bad thing. Gayboy Island is beautiful this time of year.

[Sarong]

I feel the need to grab a quote from the past to put this all in perspective...

"I've been very busy lately with my writing. I've acquired the rights to "My Fair Lady" and I'm removing the music and lyrics and turning it back into Pygmalion."

Woody Allen, 1966

[SEAN]

HAHA some of these comments are hilarious!!

pointed to --- homeless dad.... are you serious? that's pretty awesome & creative lol
pointed to ---- irevamp ..... lol touche sir!

To be honest, I'm dissapointed in Emma Thomspon's comments, their tasteless & classless. Especially for a person & actress of her caliber I was pretty shocked when I heard about this. I completely disagree with her on the note that Audrey could not act or sing, she was a brilliant actress & one of films all time greatest stars EVER!!!!
--- She was a beauty that has never & will never be challenged & not to mention her soul, her heart which made her an amazing human being...
---I recommend people go watch a biography of her on PBS or somewhere on Youtube & you will understand what I mean

I hope Emma Thompson backtracks & apologizes, but I'm not too sure that will happen....

[MRPigg]

True that Emma Thompson is no Audrey Hepburn, but speaking of overrated: how about the racially insensitive, boring and dated piece of fluff that is Breakfast at Tiffany's?

I have no problem with Emma talking smack because I have a feeling it is honestly how she feels and not just something said to get her name in the news.