Alicia Vikander Reflects on The Danish Girl’s Outdated Themes

Alicia Vikander has expressed her thoughts on the film *The Danish Girl*, marking ten years since its release in 2015. In a recent interview with *British Vogue*, she stated that the film “already feels extremely outdated.” Directed by Tom Hooper, the movie is based on the 2000 novel by David Ebershoff and tells the story of Danish painters Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener. The film features Eddie Redmayne in the role of Lili Elbe, one of the first individuals to undergo gender reassignment surgery.
Vikander, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film, reflected on its cultural impact. “I’m the first one to say it already feels extremely dated, which I think is a good thing,” she remarked. She highlighted that, at the time of its release, the film contributed to discussions surrounding transgender lives and hopes it served as an eye-opener for future artistic endeavors covering similar themes.
Redmayne’s portrayal of Lili Elbe garnered significant attention, earning him an Oscar nomination. However, in 2021, he revealed his regrets about taking on the role during an interview with *The Times of London*. He stated, “No, I wouldn’t take it on now,” and acknowledged that while his intentions were good, he now believes it was a mistake. He emphasized the importance of representation in the film industry, noting that “the bigger discussion about the frustrations around casting is because many people don’t have a chair at the table.”
In the lead-up to the film’s premiere, Redmayne addressed the controversy surrounding his casting as a transgender woman. He expressed a hope for a future where more transgender actors would portray trans characters, as well as cisgender roles. “As an actor, one hopes that one should be able to play any sort of part if one plays it with a sense of integrity and responsibility,” he stated in an interview with *IndieWire*.
The conversation around *The Danish Girl* reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes toward gender identity and representation in media. As discussions about inclusivity continue to evolve, Vikander and Redmayne’s reflections underscore the importance of representation in storytelling and the need for authentic voices in the industry.