The Assistant Director Kitty Green Talks about the Impact and Challenges of Her Latest Film The Royal Hotel in the #MeToo Era
Kitty Green, the assistant director of the critically acclaimed film The Assistant, is now discussing her latest project, The Royal Hotel, and the challenges it presents in the midst of the #MeToo movement. The Assistant was a powerful depiction of the working environment created by a sexual predator, clearly inspired by Harvey Weinstein. It exposed the culture of complicity that allowed such abuse to persist for years within some companies. Although its release in early 2020 was somewhat subdued, Green is now witnessing its impact as it resonates with audiences worldwide.
The Royal Hotel, Green’s latest film, also delves into the subject of sexual assault in the workplace. It tells the story of two female American backpackers who find themselves in a sexist and aggressive environment after running out of money in Sydney. Drawing inspiration from a 2016 documentary about two Finnish backpackers working in an outback pub, Green was captivated by the women’s refusal to accept the men’s behavior. With The Royal Hotel, she aimed to create a narrative about female strength and empowerment.
The film portrays the corrosive effect of male entitlement, with the female characters enduring endless microaggressions and harassment. Green deliberately avoided including a full sexual assault in the film, as she wanted to focus on the common behaviors that contribute to a toxic environment. By showcasing jokes, creepy stares, and disrespectful treatment, she aimed to spark a conversation about this widespread behavior and its potential to escalate into sexual violence.
Surprisingly, some film investors and audiences were disappointed by the absence of explicit violence in The Royal Hotel. Green received feedback suggesting that the film needed more violence, but she strongly disagrees. She believes there is a history of cinema filled with movies featuring explicit acts of violence, particularly against women, and she is determined to break away from that narrative. Green emphasizes that we no longer need to tolerate or perpetuate such scenes.
Green’s journey as a filmmaker started at a young age, and she pursued her dreams despite obstacles. Her parents, both artists and teachers, encouraged her to follow her passions. She made her first documentary while living in Ukraine and later directed the film Casting JonBenet. However, securing funding for her first feature film, The Assistant, was challenging due to its association with the Weinstein scandal. Many potential backers were hesitant to touch the project. Yet, Green believes that things have changed, and the #MeToo movement has created a safer environment where misconduct and harassment can be discussed more openly.
As she releases The Royal Hotel, Green acknowledges the progress made but recognizes that there is still work to be done. She hopes that her films contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding these issues. Green aims to shed light on the complex realities faced by women in different environments and inspire viewers to stand up against inappropriate behavior.
The Royal Hotel will be released in the UK on November 3, 2021, and in Australia on November 23, 2021. With her thought-provoking storytelling and commitment to empowering women, Kitty Green continues to make significant contributions to the film industry and the global conversation on gender dynamics.
