Yahoo News Lily Collins defends controversial movie To the Bone
Lily Collins has defended new Netflix movie To the Bone, and said she's just grateful that a conversation about eating disorders is taking place.
The 28-year-old actress plays Ellen, a young woman with anorexia who attempts to conquer her eating disorder by entering an inpatient facility where she bonds with fellow sufferers.
Keanu Reeves plays the charismatic lead doctor, while True Blood's Carrie Preston stars as Ellen's stepmother. Collins – who has spoken openly about her former battle against an eating disorder – chose to lose a lot of weight to play the part.
The film has prompted a mixed reaction from critics and viewers, with some praising its positive message that recovery is possible, while others have accused it of glamourising or romanticising anorexia.
"I'm just so pleased that a conversation is being had around this subject matter," the Okja star told Digital Spy. "I don't think Marti [Noxon, the writer-director of To the Bone, which is based on her own experiences] and I started the conversation, we just made one a lot louder, and I think that's really important."
Collins also suggested that some people may have been put off before actually seeing the movie, and revealed the response she's had from fans has been positive.
"Once people have seen the movie, a lot of apprehension they may have had having just seeing the trailer had dissipated," she continued.
"And a lot of young people have come out to share their stories, and really appreciate the fact that the film shows an array of people's struggles and that everyone's recovery is different, and that recovery is possible.
"All of the stories are important but we all have different journeys. And I am so proud and privileged to be a part of this conversation and I am very thankful for people's kind reactions to it and their words. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I'm very proud of Marty and I."
After previously criticising the fashion industry for casting unhealthy-looking models on the catwalk, Collins thinks that similar pressure for women in Hollywood is easing.
"I think it's getting better – more people are talking about [the pressures of Hollywood] and in my opinion, I think there's more conversation about the longevity of careers and the storytelling aspect and it not being so focused on looks," she went on.
"That's the conversations I've been having, about being able to tell the stories of amazing women for the sake of them being amazing, for the sake of their accomplishments, not looks.
"I used to model, and I have seen lot of different sizes in the industry, and now going to fashion shows myself, it's not like every single model looks like that, but then you do see certain ones [who look dangerously underweight] and I do feel empathetic towards that, because I think there should be higher standards for that.
"And I know there were conversations about BMI a couple of years ago, and I just feel like something's flipping and it definitely needs to be addressed again."
Collins appears next opposite Kelsey Grammer in Amazon Prime's TV adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald's unfinished novel The Last Tycoon.
The Last Tycoon is available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video from July 28.
Beat promotes awareness and understanding of eating disorders, also challenging inaccurate stereotypes and stigma. Find out more at Beat's website or by calling 0345 634 1414.
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