Cate Blanchett criticizes how the #MeToo movement was shut down<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAustralian actor and producer Cate Blanchett is regretting the early end of the “MeToo movement.”<\/p>\n
Blanchett, 57, made the comments while speaking at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where she also spoke on politics, film and artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n
“It ended very quickly, which I find interesting,” said Blanchett. “There are a lot of people who have platforms who are able to speak with relative safety and say this has happened to me and the so-called average woman on the street, the person on the street is also saying to me. Why does he stop? Why does that happen, why does he stop?”<\/p>\n
He said #MeToo has exposed deep patterns of abuse not just in film but across many industries.<\/p>\n
He added, “It showed that there is a systemic layer of abuse, not just in this industry, but in all industries.” “And if you don’t identify a problem, you can’t solve the problem, you shut down that problem. If you shut down that conversation, you can’t move forward.”<\/p>\n
He further added, “What happens is that the jokes become the same and you just have to brace yourself a bit. Now I’ve got used to it but it does get a bit boring. When you go into a similar workplace it becomes boring for everyone and I think that affects the work.”<\/p>\n
While in Cannes he also spoke about the role of film festivals in global issues. He said it was troubling that festivals are now the only places where major world conflicts are openly discussed. He said that governments should be more honest while dealing with such issues and focus on solutions.<\/p>\n
On artificial intelligence, Blanchett highlighted the need for human control and consent. He said he co-founded RSL Media, which is working on systems that ensure people give permission before their work or likeness is used by AI.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n