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Corsets have long been a staple of period dramas, lending authenticity to historical narratives and showcasing the elegance of bygone eras.
However, for the actors wearing them, these garments often spell discomfort, pain, and even long-lasting physical effects. Emma Stone’s experience wearing a corset for her role inThe Favouriteexemplifies the harsh realities of these costumes.
Stone’s candid revelations have sparked discussions about the physical toll of corsets, highlighting the lengths to which actors go to bring authenticity to their roles.
Her story is just one among many, as stars like Keira Knightley, Margot Robbie, and Simone Ashley have also spoken about the challenges of wearing corsets for extended periods. Let’s take a deeper look!
WhenEmma Stonesigned on to play Abigail Hill inThe Favourite, she may not have anticipated just how grueling the wardrobe would be.
The film, set in 18th-century England, demanded historical accuracy, which meant the actresses were required to wear tightly laced corsets for much of the shoot.
Stone revealed that the experience left a lasting impression on her body—quite literally. “After about a month, my organs shifted because they have to,” she explained during an interview.
The constriction forced her body to adapt to the limited space, making even basic activities like breathing and sitting feel impossible.
“I couldn’t breathe for a month,” Stone added. The discomfort was so intense that she couldn’t wait to shed the corset at the end of each day.
Despite the challenges, Stone approached the experience with humor, later joking, “If anyone’s thinking of wearing a corset, don’t.”
Wearing a corset wasn’t just a physical challenge for Stone; it also influenced her performance.
The tightness of the garment restricted her movements and breathing, which unintentionally heightened her portrayal of Abigail’s desperation and ambition. In one sense, the physical discomfort added depth to hercharacter.
However, the emotional toll of enduring such discomfort was undeniable. Stone noted how restrictive costumes can make actors feel trapped, both physically and mentally.
The corset became a daily reminder of the sacrifices women made for beauty and societal expectations in the 18th century—a reality that Stone had to internalize for her role.
A Broader Look at Corset Struggles in Hollywood
Emma Stone’s experience isn’t unique. Many actors have spoken out about the physical demands of wearing corsets in period dramas.
Keira Knightley: “You Literally Cannot Breathe”
Keira Knightley, no stranger to corset-heavy roles in films likePirates of the Caribbean,Anna Karenina, andThe Duchess, echoed Stone’s sentiments.
She described the experience as “positively awful” and revealed how the tight garment made emotional scenes even harder.
“You can’t calm down,” Knightley shared. “You can’t literally draw a breath to try and center yourself again.” She added that it’s no wonder women in those eras were oftenfainting—they simply couldn’t get enough air.
Margot Robbie: Corsets as Performance Tools
Margot Robbiealso faced challenges while wearing a corset inMary Queen of Scots.
The garment’s tightness made her feel physically trapped, but Robbie found that this sensation mirrored her character’s emotional state. “The shortness of breath really helped for scenes where my character was frustrated,” she explained.
ForBridgertonnewcomerSimone Ashley, corsets were a literal pain. Ashley, who plays Kate Sharma, revealed that she tore her shoulder while wearing one.
She also admitted to feeling sick after eating a large meal while wearing the restrictive garment. “You just don’t eat,” she said, summing up the stark reality of working in corsets.
Why Corsets Are So Difficult
Corsets, designed to create the ideal hourglass figure, compress the body in ways that are unnatural and often harmful.
Even modern replicas, tailored for actors, mimic the tightness of historical designs. This can lead to temporary issues like organ shifting or long-termcomplicationssuch as back pain and breathing difficulties.
Emma Stone’s description of her organs shifting highlights just how drastic these changes can be. While these effects are usually temporary, the experience is a stark reminder of the physical toll period dramas demand from their stars.
Corset Challenges: A Shared Struggle
Actors’ stories of corset-related challenges shed light on a broader industry issue.
Actor
Project
Corset Challenges
Emma Stone
The Favourite
Organs temporarily shifted; couldn’t breathe for weeks
Natalie Dormer
The Tudors, Picnic at Hanging Rock
Hesitant to wear more corsets; noted unpleasant odors post-removal
Keira Knightley
The Duchess, Anna Karenina
Struggled with breath control; described corsets as “positively awful”
Margot Robbie
Mary Queen of Scots
Found the restriction ironic but helpful for her performance
Simone Ashley
Bridgerton
Tore her shoulder; struggled with eating and mobility
Golda Rosheuvel
Bridgerton
Trains regularly to endure wearing double corsets
Rachel Brosnahan
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Suffered rib fusion and breathing issues from corset wear
Lily James
Cinderella
Couldn’t eat properly; wore a corset that altered her waist temporarily
The table highlights Hollywood celebrities who have shared the pain of wearing corsets
Lessons Learned from Emma Stone’s Experience
Emma Stone’s story offers a glimpse into the lengths actors go to bring history to life.
For her, wearing a corset was both a challenge and a learningexperience. While the garment added authenticity to her portrayal, it also reinforced the physical and emotional sacrifices required for period dramas.
Her humorous yet poignant advice—“Don’t wear a corset unless you absolutely have to”—resonates with many of her peers.
As Hollywood continues to evolve, there’s hope that costume designers will prioritize comfort without sacrificing historical accuracy.
Corsets may look glamorous on screen, but behind the scenes, they represent a significant challenge for actors like Emma Stone.
Her story not only underscores the physical toll of these garments but also invites audiences to appreciate the sacrifices that bring historical dramas to life.
The video shows Stone’s interview about the corsets
Conclusion
Emma Stone’s experience highlights the extreme discomfort actors face while wearing these garments.
Period dramas require historical accuracy, but at what cost?
From organ shifting to shoulder injuries, corsets can have lasting effects on the body.
Stars like Stone and Robbie use discomfort to enhance their performances.
As stars like Natalie Dormer push back against corset-heavy roles, Hollywood may rethink its approach to period costumes.
Last Updated: November 27, 2024
