Martin Freeman has addressed the controversy surrounding the explicit scene featuring him and Jenna Ortega in the movie "Miller's Girl."
The film has faced backlash due to the significant age difference between the two actors. In response, Freeman has defended the movie.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Freeman defended the movie, describing it as "grown-up and nuanced."
He also questioned the criticism, asking if people would similarly criticize Liam Neeson for appearing in a film about the Holocaust.
The recently released movie "Miller's Girl," now available on Netflix, tells the story of an 18-year-old student named Cairo Sweet, played by Jenna Ortega, and her college teacher, Jonathan Miller, portrayed by Martin Freeman.
The plot centers around a creative writing assignment that brings about intricate interactions between the teacher and his talented student.
As the film carries an R-rating, it includes intense scenes that make certain viewers uneasy, mainly due to the significant 31-year age difference between Ortega, who is 21, and Freeman, who is 52.
The film's intimacy coordinator, Kristina Arjona, confirmed that Ortega was determined and clear about her intentions regarding the sex scenes in the film.
This indicates that Ortega was fully aware of and comfortable with the nature of the scenes.
Although "Miller's Girl" has been criticized by reviewers and has a low rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Martin Freeman still believes that the film is sophisticated and has depth.
A reviewer described the pairing of Freeman and Ortega as not well-matched, suggesting that their chemistry didn't quite click.
While certain viewers felt uneasy about the portrayal, others acknowledged the artistic decisions and the story's context.
I believe that Jenna Ortega is capable of making her own decisions about what kind of role to take on. She is a grown woman, one user said.
I always wonder if the people who see no issue with an 18 year old in a relationship with someone 30 plus years older than them, would feel the same if it was their kid, the second user commented.
Umm I really don't get this, it's a movie, if you all think it's real then you really need a reality check, if you dont agree with it a simple answer is don't watch it, both parties knew what they were doing they get the screenplay to read though before they even start so the issue is what exactly? Another wrote.
I’m convinced they’re aware of the age gap and this how they get to be with young women without being young women, someone said.
