ON WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD

THE ROLE:

In more than four decades in Hollywood, Keaton has seen her profession go through many changes. “If you’re a movie star now, you’re also a model, a spokesperson — a brand. It’s not just acting. When you think of Meryl Streep, you think, ‘This is a genius actor,’ and that is what she is and that is what she has dedicated her life to being. It’s a pure form of the art of acting — and Meryl is an example of that. But now, more than ever, it’s a job of many traits. You really have to be an expert on so many levels. You may have a clothing line, a fragrance, a housewares collection. Being a movie star today is so much more demanding.”

A NEW ERA:

Keaton becomes excited when she reflects on the opportunities for women in Hollywood in 2013. “I like to think about ‘Bridesmaids’ as a breakthrough movie for women. I’m such a fan of Melissa McCarthy! Are you kidding me? What an actress! She’s so interesting. I recently saw ‘The Heat,’ and I was on the floor laughing. She was doing physical comedy like the rest of the guys. Then, she can turn on the vulnerable part of her acting ‘stew,’ or she can kiss a guy and that’s a whole other thing. She’s simply brilliant. Maybe things are not going as fast as some people would like, but I do think it’s a much better time for women in our business today — both in front of and behind the camera.”