INDEX
Repeatedly Addressing Even Small Discomforts
-Despite the tension, I was touched when the pub owner’s partner reached out to Hannah at a moment of need.
Kitty: I like her so much that I almost wanted to make a whole film about her (laughs). Although she’s not featured in the documentary, I wanted to add another woman to that chaotic male-dominated environment. The actor who played her was also very kind and had a strong presence, bringing the energy of the character into the film.
-From a sisterhood perspective, in this film, Hannah desperately tries to save Liv from being consumed by patriarchy. While it may be challenging to be as strong as Hannah, what does Director Kitty Green believe is important for collaborating with girls who are speaking out about their experiences?
Kitty: It’s a very challenging topic… Speaking up about every issue can be difficult, so I believe it’s about addressing even the small discomforts and repeating that process.
In both ‘The Assistant’ and ‘The Royal Hotel,’ I focused on the accumulation of these small discomforts. As I mentioned earlier, I believe that if we could communicate or address even the most minor moments of discomfort early on, many serious situations could have been avoided. Since the #MeToo movement, new ways of speaking out and resources for support have emerged in the U.S. We’ve become more honest and open about harassment. However, change doesn’t happen overnight. Systems and habits don’t transform easily, and there are still many situations where we wonder, “What should we do?”
-The protagonist often wondered, “What should I do?”
Kitty: For example, when you feel uncomfortable, you might struggle with when to stand up and whom to trust. In ‘The Royal Hotel,’ there’s no safe place to turn, whereas in ‘The Assistant,’ there is a designated place like “Human Resources” for seeking help. The protagonist seeks refuge there but is ultimately betrayed. Relying on a single source of support can be risky. We need to have more open discussions about where our boundaries are and how to address them. Ideally, we should support each other as much as possible, creating an environment where everyone feels safe regardless of where they are.
The Royal Hotel
Starting July 26, 2024 (Friday), ‘The Royal Hotel’ will be released nationwide, beginning at Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho and other theaters.
Director & Screenwriter: Kitty Green
Screenwriter: Oscar Redding
Producers: Liz Watts, Emile Sherman, Ian Canning
Cinematography: Michael Rathan
Composer: Jed Palmer
Starring: Julia Garner, Jessica Henwick, Hugo Weaving, Toby Wallace, Herbert Nordrum
Distributor: Unplugged
2023 / Australia / 91 min / 2.39:1 / Color / 5.1ch / Subtitles: Reiko Tamuna
© 2022 Hanna and Liv Holdings Pty. Ltd., Screen Australia, and Create NSW
