Published 15:40 IST, December 21st 2020
Viola Davis' transformation for 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' sparks sexism debate online
Viola Davis is being lauded for her portrayal of Ma Rainey in 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. But her transformation for this role has sparked a sexism debate online
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Viola Davis is garnering praises for her role as Ma Rainey in Netflix’s new film. But her transformation for Ma Rainey’s role has sparked a sexism debate on Twitter. Davis’ fans are divided on why Viola Davis’ transformation for the role did not receive much appreciation in comparison to Joaquin Phoenix’s transformation for Joker. Find out more details about this debate below.
Viola Davis’ Ma Rainey transformation sparks debate
Viola Davis is garnering praise from critics and audience alike for her portrayal of Blues singer Ma Rainey. She stars as Ma Rainey in Netflix film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Now that the film has finally premiered on Netflix, Viola Davis is working to get in shape for her next film. For Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Viola Davis gained weight to look like the singer.
But now, Viola Davis’ transformation for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom has sparked a controversial debate among fans. On Twitter, a user asked a question why Viola Davis’ weight gain did not receive the same attention as Joaquin Phoenix’s weight loss for his role in and as 'Joker'. Soon this tweet went viral and many 'Joker' and Viola Davis’ fans started a heated debate online.
The tweet claimed that this is a sexist approach and undermines Davis’ career graph and her success in the industry. The Twitter thread also led to many people talking about a racist angle in this debate. Take a look at some of these tweets here.
so viola davis got close to 200 pounds to play ma rainey and got in shape again for woman king and nobody talks about it. we all remember how joaquin phoenix was praised for losing weight for joker. sexism much? pic.twitter.com/Yx4YmED6eO
— vulnicura🌿 (@oliviascolmans) December 19, 2020
No. It not sexism. Joker is a more popular character. Lot of talk about joaquin and the movie. That's why he got more attention.
— Alex (@ALPO1158) December 20, 2020
Or when we praised Charlize to the moon and back for monster, it’s not just sexism it’s racism too, Viola Davis is one of the finest actresses alive and no one gives her the respect she deserves
— televisionB (@television_b) December 19, 2020
really?????
— Ashhkankema (@Ashhkankema) December 20, 2020
Because Viola got in shape, she's healthy....
J Phoenix, Bale and McConaughey did not lose weight, THEY RISKED THEIR HEALTH BY HAVING A VERY LOW WEIGHT, AN INSANE WEIGHT, OUTSIDE NORMAL. pic.twitter.com/jYnC984jkr
Thanks you. I'm really tired of the complaints of her using padding. Because gaining 300lbs in a way that is healthy is difficult.
— Kasey (@bastylefilegirl) December 20, 2020
As mentioned earlier, Viola Davis is sweating it out to lose her weight for her upcoming project. Viola took to Instagram recently and shared a picture of herself working out with her trainer. In this post, Viola Davis revealed that her trainer helped her get back to shape after gaining weight for Rainey’s role. Davis wrote, “Love my amazing trainer, @gabrielamclain! She played a major role in getting me back in shape after gaining weight to play #MaRainey”. Take a look at Viola Davis’ Instagram post here.
Talking about her upcoming movies, Viola Davis will be next seen in The Suicide Squad. She will be reprising her role as the government official Amanda Waller. Moreover, she will also star in The Woman King. According to Variety’s report, the film is based on the true events of The Kingdom of Dahomey. Dahomey was one of the most powerful and fearsome States of Africa in the 18th and 19th century.
Also read | Viola Davis Remembers Her 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' Co-star Chadwick Boseman At Preview
Also read | Viola Davis Shares Snippets From Her "Woman King" Training; Fans Call Her An 'inspiration'
15:39 IST, December 21st 2020