Rachel Weisz subverts the male gaze in new Netflix series
Rachel Weisz’s latest project, Vladimir, showcases her continued commitment to prioritising the female gaze, presenting a narrative that challenges traditional gender dynamics, reports BritPanorama.
At 55, Weisz, an Oscar, Bafta, and Golden Globe winner, has steered her career towards roles that embrace female desire and autonomy. From queer romances to complex portrayals of midlife sexuality, she has built a reputation not only as an actress but as an LGBTQ+ icon and advocate for authentic female representation on screen.
In Disobedience (2017), Weisz portrayed Ronit, a Jewish woman rekindling an affair with a now-married female friend. The intimate scenes were crafted to resist the typical voyeuristic lens expected by audiences. Following this, in the Restoration drama The Favourite (2018), she played Lady Sarah Churchill, a character who wielded her sexuality strategically to achieve her ambitions rather than being merely an object of desire.
In this latest Netflix series, Weisz plays an unnamed English professor who becomes obsessed with a younger colleague, Vladimir, played by Leo Woodall. The character’s name is not revealed, emphasizing her as an embodiment of desire rather than a complete individual, highlighting the subversive take on power and attraction.
Woodall’s portrayal offers a glimpse of conventional masculinity but through Weisz’s perspective, he becomes an object of desire, stripped down to mere physical attributes. The series plays with the notion of the female gaze; the camera captures his physique while Weisz’s character remains largely passive in her fantasies about him.
The tension between desire and autonomy is critical in Vladimir. Weisz’s character experiences a longing for Vladimir while grappling with her own lack of control over her desires and the dynamics of aging. “Stop asking me what I want,” she retorts when confronted with her feelings, underlying a frustration with societal expectations around female desire.
Weisz’s impact extends beyond her roles, as she also serves as a producer on projects like Dead Ringers and Disobedience, pushing for authentic narratives about women. Her recognition as an advocate for women’s stories on screen reflects a commitment to exploring the nuances of female desire and autonomy.
Her characters often navigate the complex interplay of power and sexuality, whether they are vying for political influence or seeking personal gratification, demonstrating that the dynamics of gender and desire remain intricately linked in her work.
Vladimir is streaming on Netflix.
