Mothers. Daughters. Rebels.
"Suffragette" is a powerful drama inspired by true events, depicting the courageous women of the early feminist movement who risk everything to demand their right to vote in the face of harsh government opposition. The story centers on Maud Watts (Carey Mulligan), a working-class laundress who becomes an active participant in the suffragette movement, alongside characters like Edith Ellyn (Helena Bonham Carter), a fellow activist. The film explores their struggle against societal and institutional oppression as they engage in covert activism to achieve political change.
Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes:
1. "Suffragette" was the first film to be shot inside the Houses of Parliament in London, adding authenticity to the story.
2. Carey Mulligan, a committed feminist herself, was deeply involved in the film’s production to accurately portray the emotional and physical hardships faced by suffragettes.
3. Helena Bonham Carter's character, Edith Ellyn, was a composite inspired by several real-life activists, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of women in the movement.
Main Cast of Suffragette
Carey Mulligan
Maud Watts
Carey Mulligan delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Maud Watts in 'Suffragette,' portraying the journey of a working-class woman propelled into the militant fight for women's suffrage in early 20th-century Britain. Her portrayal captures Maud's transformation from a subdued laundress to a determined activist, bringing emotional depth and authenticity to the character. Compared to her earlier roles, such as the reserved and introspective Daisy Buchanan in '
The Great Gatsby,' Mulligan's Maud is more overtly driven by social justice and collective struggle, showcasing her versatility as an actress. A trivia fact: Carey Mulligan worked closely with historians and suffrage activists to accurately depict the physical and emotional toll of the movement on women like Maud.
Helena Bonham Carter
Edith Ellyn
In the movie 'Suffragette' (2015), Helena Bonham Carter portrays Emmeline Pankhurst, a pioneering leader of the British women's suffrage movement. This role is notable in her career as it represents a departure from her often eccentric or gothic characters, allowing her to embody a real historical figure with gravitas and political passion. Unlike her earlier and more fantastical roles, such as Bellatrix Lestrange in the 'Harry Potter' series or Mrs. Lovett in 'Sweeney Todd,' this performance highlights her ability to convey strong, determined leadership in a grounded, dramatic context. It stands out by showcasing her range and commitment to portraying characters who have significantly impacted social change.
Brendan Gleeson
Arthur Steed
Fans of Brendan Gleeson might enjoy his role in the movie 'Suffragette' because it showcases his ability to portray complex, grounded characters within a significant historical context. In 'Suffragette', Gleeson plays a supporting role that reflects the societal tensions surrounding the women's suffrage movement, allowing him to contribute a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative. Compared to his most iconic performance as Mad-Eye Moody in the "Harry Potter" series, where he embodies a quirky, intense, and magical character, his role in 'Suffragette' is more subdued and nuanced, demonstrating Gleeson's versatile range as an actor. An interesting detail about his character in 'Suffragette' is that although he appears briefly, his interactions subtly highlight the gender dynamics of the era, and casting Gleeson added a familiar gravitas that subtly anchors the film’s historical drama.
Crew of Suffragette
Full backstage crew list →