FridayOL

Carrie Coon, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in “The Leftovers” and “Fargo,” is speaking out about a specific costume choice from the first season of HBO’s historical drama, “The Gilded Age.” In a recent interview, Coon expressed her discomfort with the portrayal of her character’s pregnancy, specifically citing the depiction of her breasts as “offensive.”

The controversy centers around the costumes designed to represent Coon’s character Bertha Russell’s pregnancy. Coon’s comments suggest that the design leaned into a portrayal she found excessive and unnecessarily provocative. While she acknowledged the costume department's hard work, particularly given the frequent input from series creator Julian Fellowes, Coon felt the execution crossed a line.

“It was a lot,” Coon told Town & Country. “The costume department had a lot on their hands, especially when Julian would come visit. There were a lot of notes. And I just felt that… the pregnant bosom was a little offensive.”

The “pregnant bosom” in question refers to the exaggerated depiction of Coon’s breasts during her character’s pregnancy. Historical accuracy in costume design is a complex issue, often balancing authenticity with modern sensibilities. While period dramas frequently use costumes to convey social status and character traits, Coon’s critique raises questions about the potential for objectification and the responsibility of creators to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes, even within a historical context.

“The Gilded Age,” set in 1880s New York City, explores the clash between old money and new wealth, with Bertha Russell as a central figure navigating this complex social landscape. Coon's performance has been widely praised for its nuanced portrayal of ambition and social climbing, but this particular costume choice seems to have detracted from the overall impact for the actress.

The debate surrounding Coon's comments has sparked discussions online, with viewers weighing in on the balance between historical accuracy and contemporary standards of representation. Some argue that the costumes accurately reflected the fashion of the era, while others agree with Coon’s assessment that the depiction was excessive and potentially exploitative. The incident highlights the ongoing conversation about representation in period dramas and the importance of considering the impact of costume choices on audiences.

Julian Fellowes, the creator of “The Gilded Age,” has not yet publicly responded to Coon’s comments. However, the controversy is likely to add another layer of discussion to the show’s already rich tapestry of social commentary and historical drama. Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming seasons and how the series will address these evolving perspectives on representation and historical accuracy.

Ultimately, Coon’s willingness to speak out about her discomfort serves as a reminder that even in the world of historical drama, actors have a voice and a responsibility to advocate for respectful and thoughtful representation. The incident underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue about the portrayal of women and pregnancy in media, ensuring that depictions are both authentic and empowering.