Julia Stiles Reveals How Harvey Weinstein’s ‘Cheap’ Dance Scene at 19 Made Her Feel ‘Slimy’

Julia Stiles recently shared a surprising story about her early career. When she was filming the 2000 movie Down to You, Harvey Weinstein insisted that she shoot a dance scene that she felt made little sense for the film. Stiles explained that Weinstein wanted to leverage her previous success in dance-heavy roles. However, she referred to the decision as “dumb” and said it felt forced.

At just 19 years old, Stiles was already gaining recognition. She had her big break in 1999 with 10 Things I Hate About You, where she famously danced on a table while under the influence at a party. That year, she also filmed Save the Last Dance, which came out in 2001, showcasing her dancing talent.

Reflecting on her experience during an interview, Stiles described her feelings about that dance scene. She didn’t want to offend anyone but expressed her disdain for gratuitous content in movies. "Gratuitousness is annoying to me," she said. Even while keeping her comments diplomatic, she identified Down to You as a poorly executed film. She acknowledged that despite working with talented people like Freddie Prinze Jr., the movie suffered under Weinstein’s influence.

Stiles noted how Weinstein tried to cash in on the popular trend of dance in teen films. "They were pouring money at it in stupid ways," she remarked, explaining that after her successes, Weinstein decided a dance scene was necessary without thinking about the film’s context. She remembered how that requirement led to a scene where she danced on a pool table, which felt uncreative to her. "I felt so slimy doing it, the whole time," she admitted.

Stiles also pointed out an interesting point regarding dance in film: she’s not opposed to it—she enjoys dancing. However, it needs to fit the narrative. This incident highlights broader concerns in Hollywood about creative integrity and the clash between artistic vision and commercial pressures.

It’s worth noting that in response to the #MeToo movement, many actors have begun speaking out about their experiences in the industry. Stiles’s story is just one piece of a larger conversation about how power dynamics in Hollywood can affect the work and mental health of artists.

If you’re curious about Stiles’s dance scene in Down to You, you can watch it here.

While opinions on her experience may vary among viewers, it certainly sparks a discussion about authenticity and the responsibilities of filmmakers to respect the integrity of their projects.

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