Rachel Griffiths on Taylor Swift's Trailblazing Role in Embracing 'Ugly Feelings'

Rachel Griffiths Reveals How She and Taylor Swift Are Redefining What it Means to be a Woman on Screen

The Australian actress is known for her bold and unapologetic portrayal of complex women in her roles, from Rhonda in Muriel's Wedding to her latest stint as the lead in the critically-acclaimed series Madam. But Rachel Griffiths isn't just breaking down barriers with her acting - she's also paving the way for a new generation of women who refuse to conform to traditional standards.

In an exclusive interview with Stellar Magazine, Griffiths opened up about how starring in Six Feet Under and Muriel's Wedding helped change the landscape for women in Hollywood. "I was lucky to have been part of two projects that were ahead of their time," she explained. "Alan Ball's vision for the women in Six Feet Under was truly groundbreaking - they were multidimensional, flawed, and sometimes unlikeable."

Griffiths pointed out that traditional Hollywood archetypes often relegated women to being likable, fuckable, or motherly figures. But her roles in both shows shattered those expectations, showing audiences that women could be complex, messy, and multifaceted.

But Griffiths isn't the only one breaking down barriers for women on screen. Pop stars like Taylor Swift are also using their platforms to promote a new kind of female empowerment - one that celebrates being raw, honest, and unapologetic.

"Taylor's music is all about owning those 'ugly feelings'," Griffiths said. "She's singing about jealousy, smallness, and vulnerability in a way that's both deeply personal and universally relatable." And it's not just about the music - Swift's willingness to bare her soul has helped create a cultural shift towards embracing our flaws rather than trying to hide them.

Griffiths' latest role as Antonia Murphy in Madam has been at the center of controversy, with some viewers blasting the show for its explicit content. But for Griffiths, playing Murphy is about more than just the sex and nudity - it's about exploring the complexities of a woman who refused to be bound by societal expectations.

"I think people are missing the point about what we're trying to do with Madam," Griffiths said in response to the backlash. "We're not making this show for shock value or to titillate audiences. We're telling a story that's raw, honest, and unflinching - just like real life."

Griffiths' fans have rallied behind her, with many praising her for her boldness and commitment to telling stories that need to be told.

"Rachel Griffiths is the embodiment of what it means to be a fearless woman on screen," one fan wrote. "She's not afraid to push boundaries or challenge societal norms. She's an inspiration to us all."

But not everyone is as supportive - some viewers have taken to social media to express their outrage at Madam's inclusion on Channel Nine.

"Channel Nine you are a disgrace for airing that trash on our TV screens," one viewer wrote. "It's explicit, it's pornographic, and it's not suitable for family viewing."

Griffiths' latest project may be causing a stir, but one thing is clear: she's not going anywhere anytime soon.

"I'm proud to be part of a new wave of women who are refusing to conform," Griffiths said. "We're making our own rules, pushing our own boundaries, and creating our own stories. And I couldn't be more thrilled."

The controversy surrounding Madam may be hotting up the airwaves, but one thing is certain - Rachel Griffiths and Taylor Swift are leading a revolution that's all about embracing our flaws, owning our vulnerability, and refusing to be bound by traditional standards.

It seems like it's time for Hollywood (and TV) to take note: women on screen just got a whole lot bolder.