Opinion: Anne Hathaway's Empowering Evolution

Holly Thomas, a writer and editor from London, is the morning editor at Katie Couric Media. You can find her on Twitter at @HolstaT. The views expressed in this commentary belong to the author. For more opinions, visit CNN.

It may seem odd to start off a positive article about Anne Hathaway by admitting that I wasn't a big fan of her recent movie, but here we are.

I'm not a fan of "The Idea of You", it's just not my cup of tea. The main character, Solène Marchand, is hitting the big 4-0. At her birthday bash, she's praised for creating a welcoming art community. She rocks flawless hair and casually ditches books she hasn't read. When she accidentally wanders into the trailer of pop star Hayes Campbell (played by Nicholas Galitzine) to use the restroom, he's instantly smitten. It seems like I have a hard time enjoying positive outcomes for likable characters.

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: Anne Hathaway attends the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 25, 2024 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

Anne Hathaway was seen at the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California on February 25. The event was captured by Monica Schipper in a stunning photograph.

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Fortunately, Hathaway doesn’t need my approval for her movies. She has been a talented, award-winning actor for over twenty years, with only a hiccup in her Yorkshire accent in the film “One Day” in 2011. Her performance as a woman with bipolar disorder in the show “Modern Love” is exceptional. She always impresses in interviews and looks stunning on the red carpet. Hathaway is also making a positive impact on culture by discussing sobriety and women's empowerment. She has already proven herself time and time again.

However, in a recent interview with the New York Times, she admitted to spending too much time trying to please others.

Hathaway was asked by the interviewer if she is a "people pleaser" like the character Solène in "The Idea of You." She responded, "I think I used to be a people pleaser." She mentioned that when she notices her old habits surfacing, she reminds herself that stress won't kill her.

Throughout her career, Hathaway has faced unwarranted criticism of being unlikeable, which is not reflective of her actual work. Following her 2013 Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress in "Les Miserables," she was unfairly attacked. Critics labeled her as an overly enthusiastic "theatre kid," and New York Magazine questioned, "Why do women hate Anne Hathaway?" The term "Hathahate" was even created at that time. Today, a search for "hate Anne Hathaway" on Google yields over five million results.

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Many famous women, like Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence, have faced criticism for various reasons. Interestingly, male actors like Jake Gyllenhaal and Leonardo DiCaprio don't receive the same level of scrutiny. It seems that the public is quick to turn on women who they feel have become “too much” of a good thing. Unfortunately, this harsh judgement often leads to unfair treatment and unrealistic expectations. Anne Hathaway has come to realize that trying to please everyone is a futile effort.

Reality intersects with "The Idea of You" in a poignant scene where Solène confesses that she tried to brush off her ex-husband's affair to salvage their relationship. Unfortunately, her husband didn't agree, leading to their breakup. This illustrates the harsh truth that trying to please others blindly is like aiming at a target while blindfolded. You can never truly know what will make someone else happy, and even if you do, you may not have the power to make it happen.

Years later, Solène, much like Hathaway, has moved past her people-pleasing tendencies. However, breaking free from others' expectations leaves a void that can be challenging to fill. It's hard to form your identity when you're not used to hearing your own thoughts and focusing too much on others can be a hindrance. This is why Hathaway should probably ignore what I'm going to say next.

Hathaway's beauty shines so brightly in "The Idea of You" that it overshadows the entire film for me. The movie's main idea is that love can overcome differences in age, wealth, and status. As viewers, we need to believe in the unlikely scenario of a suburban mom winning the heart of a young superstar. The fantasy is what makes the movie captivating.

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Unfortunately, when two incredibly attractive people fall for each other, it's not exactly groundbreaking. I couldn't help but predict that they would end up together as soon as they appeared on-screen. The film tries to explain why Solène may struggle with her confidence after her divorce and find it hard to believe that Hayes is attracted to her. But honestly, it's hard to believe when she looks like that. It seems I might be a bit superficial.

Admitting this may be embarrassing, but it highlights the confusion surrounding Hathaway in the 2010s. There was so much discussion about why she was annoying, when in reality, she was just a talented actress doing her job well. The public's frustration with her was not her fault. Similarly, my inability to see beyond Solène's beauty and understand her emotions has nothing to do with Hathaway's performance. It's my own issue. Trying to please everyone, like Solène or anyone else, is simply a waste of time.

A meme I encountered recently comes to mind: “Oh so you’re a people pleaser? Name three people who are pleased with you.”

Editor's P/S:

Anne Hathaway's journey as a public figure has been marked by a paradox: while she's a talented actress, she has faced unwarranted criticism and