The interview started well. Interviewed on the occasion of the release of his spy series Connection on Apple TV+, the French actor is back to his preparatory work. To put himself in his character’s shoes, the 56-year-old actor was confronted with real mercenaries. The latter would have shown him a more authentic image of masculinity, far from the distorted representations conveyed, according to him, by the heroes of Hollywood action films. ” Being a man doesn’t mean being pumped up all the time, it’s about taking responsibility » declares to the journalist of Keeperbefore continuing: just look at Instagram or TikTok, where a multitude of people express their opinion on how men should be or how women should behave […] It is a fantasy of what sexuality should be. And we tend to forget what it’s really about. It’s about being yourself “.
The example of Andrew Tate
Until then, Vincent Cassel’s ambiguous words almost leave room for doubt: is the actor preparing to convey a message of benevolence and self-acceptance? This hope is nipped in the bud a few lines below, when the actor brings the example of masculinist Andrew Tate, currently under investigation in Romania for rape, aggravated prostitution and trafficking in human beings:
“There’s a lot of things he says that can be seen as very problematic, especially when you look at where he’s coming from. But in the midst of all of that, I think he’s actually saying some interesting things, because he wants to stand up for masculinity. Today, it’s almost shameful to be masculine. You have to be more feminine, more vulnerable. But if men become too vulnerable and feminine, i think we will have a problem. »
The cult of masculinity
Vincent Cassel’s words were not slow to cause a shower of reactions on social media. Some internet users in particular have protested against the weak defense of the actor who, when questioned by the journalist of Keeper on the misogyny of the attitudes he defends, he hastened to recall that he was surrounded by women” from morning to evening » :
Others have decried his unique view of the masculine based on injunctions to be manly, whatever the cost:
At a time when England is concerned about the rise of masculinism, especially in schools where some students have chosen Andrew Tate as a true role model, the actor’s words are revealing of the road that still remains to be traveled.
Some resources for Vincent Cassel (and for all those who would like to read, listen, reflect on or rethink masculinity):
- The great podcast Balls on the table by Victoire Tuaillon. A classic that never goes out of style.
- The essential book Potatouille by Tiffany Cooper. For young and old!
- The shocking photo project Blooming boys by Dwam on the representation of masculinity.
- This fascinating video by Daisy Letourneur, author of the essay You are not born male – A short feminist treatise on masculinity.
Featured Image: Youtube screenshot
Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
