Being a female television icon is not easy. That’s the premise for a new movie out this week. Lynn went to London to chat with real-life icon Emma Thompson and the woman who wrote the movie, Mindy Kaling.
“Late Night” is the story of a television icon — a groundbreaking talk show host who’s kind of out of touch, and the ratings are in the toilet.
Emma Thompson (as Katherine Newbury): “That’s our show, everyone.”
Amy Ryan (as Caroline Morton): “I came to tell you this year is your last.”
Emma Thompson (as Katherine Newbury): “What?!”
Until she hires Mindy Kaling’s character as the first female writer.
Emma Thompson (as Katherine Newbury): “Who are you?”
Mindy Kaling (as Molly Patel): “I’m Molly.”
Mindy wrote the movie, which has Emma dressed in power fashion.
Emma Thompson: “These — I wore them because they’re really comfortable.”
The movie is a comedy, and Emma is known for her dramatic acting, but she’s pretty funny.
Mindy Kaling: “You like a goofy, dumb joke.”
Emma Thompson: “I love silliness. I worship silliness.”
Lynn Martinez: “I feel like funny women have funny moms or a funny role model.”
Mindy Kaling: “I think that’s right.”
Lynn Martinez: “Who was your funny, female role model in your life?”
Emma Thompson: “My mom’s Scottish — very funny — and her mother as well, my grandmother. Very funny. Five sisters — all flaming redheads, Scottish and wicked. Naughty, too.”
Coupled with humor, the movie deals with feminism, ageism and stereotypes.
Lynn Martinez: “I actually work in a TV show where we’re supposed to be funny as well, so thank God you wrote something where a woman can be dramatic, funny and beautiful and smart.”
Emma Thompson: “It’s authentic is the bottom line.”
The movie’s message: don’t be afraid to be yourself.
It’s also a love story about two talented females who end up teaching each other about television, comedy and life as a woman.
Mindy Kaling: “We can only write things that we want to see, and then sometimes the world mimics it if we’re lucky.”
“Late Night” hits theaters this weekend.
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