(Image Source: Lionsgate, Pinterest)
Catherine Hardwicke stands as one of Hollywood's most seasoned and recognizable female directors. Her filmography boasts critically acclaimed, low-budget indie gems like "Thirteen" and "Lords of Dogtown," alongside commercially successful fantasy blockbusters such as "Twilight" and "Red Riding Hood." With such extensive experience, Hardwicke has, inevitably, faced firsthand the gender inequality prevalent in Hollywood.
(Image Source: Los Angeles Times)
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Hardwicke lamented the stark disparity in how Hollywood rewards directors. She pointed out that when her film "Twilight" became a massive box office hit, grossing $69 million in its opening weekend in North America alone against a production budget of just $37 million, and ultimately raking in over $400 million worldwide—paving the way for a successful franchise—Lionsgate merely tried to appease her with simple gifts.
Hardwicke revealed, "A male director who has a success like that, they might get a car, they might get a three-picture deal, or basically they let you do whatever you want. And I walked into a room, and everybody was congratulating the studio for the big opening, and they handed me a box, and I opened it up, and it was a mini cupcake." Hardwicke never returned for any of the "Twilight" sequels, moving on to direct "Red Riding Hood" immediately after completing the first film.
via： The Guardian