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Cynthia Nixon narrates devastatingly powerful video about the reality of being a woman - Attitude Skip to main content
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Home Culture Culture Film & TV

26 February 2020

Cynthia Nixon narrates devastatingly powerful video about the reality of being a woman

The 'Sex and the City' star's haunting rendition of Camille Rainville's 2017 blog post 'Be a lady, they said' will stay with you.

By Will Stroude

Cynthia Nixon has narrated a powerful new video highlighting the impossible standards women are held to – and the results are must-see. 

The former Sex and the City actress, 53, stars in a new video produced by Paul McLean for Girls. Girls. Girls. magazine which sees her recite writer Camille Rainville’s 2017 piece ‘Be a lady, they said’ to devastating effect.

The prose addresses the coflicting messages and judgements which are constantly thrust upon women with regards to their appearance, weight, demeanour, and attitude to sex.

Be a Lady They Said from Paul McLean on Vimeo.

As images of fashion shoots, famous women and figures including Donald Trump flash on screen, Nixon oscillates between haunting detachment and barely contained fury as she spits: “You need to lose weight. Fit into that dress. Go on a diet. Watch what you eat. Eat celery. Chew gum. Drink lots of water. You have to fit into those jeans. God, you look like a skeleton. Why don’t you just eat? You look emaciated. You look sick. Eat a burger.”

The Tony, Emmy and Grammy award-winning actor, who has been married to education activist Christine Marinoni since 2012, continues: “Be a lady they said. Save yourself. Be pure. Be virginal. Don’t talk about sex. Don’t flirt. Don’t be a skank. Don’t be a whore. Don’t sleep around. Don’t lose your dignity. Don’t have sex with too many men. Don’t give yourself away. Men don’t like sluts. Don’t be a prude. Don’t be so up tight. Have a little fun. Smile more.”

Sharing the video – which has amassed almost three million views on Vimeo in just 72 hours – Nixon wrote: “Proud to be involved with this powerful film that has struck a chord with so many people around the world”.

 

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