Meryl Streep Reflects on the Unstable Nature of Hollywood
Hollywood icon Meryl Streep has shared her thoughts on the challenges and uncertainties of working in the film industry. At 76, she remains one of the most respected figures in entertainment, having starred in iconic films such as The Deer Hunter, Kramer vs. Kramer, and The Devil Wears Prada. In a recent interview with Vogue, she reflected on the precarious nature of success in the business.
Streep quoted playwright Tom Stoppard, saying, “You’ve got to shift your weight.” She elaborated on this idea, explaining that actors are constantly on unstable ground. “It’s so uncertain being an actor,” she said. “You’re chronically unemployed. And then there’s no sort of climb, because fame is something you have in a second.”
Despite the unpredictability, Streep emphasized the importance of building a body of work and maintaining self-belief. “To make a body of work and have faith in yourself? That takes time, and you can’t do it at home by yourself—it’s not like writing or composing,” she explained. She added, “I don’t think: I love this job. I’m going to have this job for a long time. I think: This is the world. The unstable world. Everything changes and it’s about learning to sort of be prepared for that.”
A New Chapter in the Devil Wears Prada Franchise
Streep is currently starring in the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, which has already generated excitement among fans. She expressed her admiration for the film’s script, noting that it delves into the business side of the fashion industry. “I was interested in the business part of it, that thing of carrying the weight of many, many people’s jobs, running a big organisation, keeping it going somehow,” she said.
She also reflected on the current state of the world and how it influences the story. “With this one, I thought, ‘Well, where are they going to go?’ Now that everything’s disintegrating, now that these institutions are being undermined or exploded in a way that who knows what is happening in the world right now—I wondered what they were going to do. And I do think they’ve located something true about the business now.”
The Original Film and Its Legacy
The first Devil Wears Prada film was released in 2006 and was based on the 2003 novel by Lauren Weisberger. It featured a stellar cast including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt. The story follows an aspiring journalist who lands a job at a prestigious fashion magazine but quickly finds herself under the intense pressure of her demanding editor.
The upcoming sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2, will follow the return of Andy (played by Anne Hathaway) to Runway as her editor, played by Streep, navigates a rapidly changing media landscape. The film is set to hit cinemas on May 1, distributed by 20th Century Studios.
A Reflection on the Industry
Streep’s insights offer a glimpse into the realities of life in Hollywood. While the industry can be glamorous, it is also fraught with uncertainty. Her words resonate with many who have experienced the highs and lows of a career in entertainment. For Streep, the key to longevity lies in adaptability and resilience.
As she continues to take on new roles, her legacy as one of the greatest actresses of all time remains intact. With The Devil Wears Prada 2 on the horizon, fans are eager to see how she brings her unique talent to the screen once again.
