Gina Gershon’s Risky Career Move

Gina Gershon made a bold move early in her acting career by taking on the lead role in the 1996 film Bound, directed by the Wachowskis. Despite her agents’ strong objections, Gershon stood her ground and decided to move forward with the project. The actress recounted how her agents warned her that taking on a queer role in a sapphic noir film could potentially ruin her career. They were particularly concerned due to the backlash she faced following her role in Showgirls. However, Gershon was determined to work with the talented first-time directors and saw the project as an opportunity to make a statement about the industry’s narrow-mindedness.

Despite the label of being a “lesbian movie,” Gershon emphasized that Bound was about much more than just the characters’ sexual orientations. The film delved into themes of trust, power struggles, and the complexities of relationships. Gershon believed that reducing the film to merely being about lesbians was a small-minded and short-sighted view. She saw it as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and prejudices in the industry by taking on a role that defied expectations.

In Bound, Gershon portrayed the character Corky, who becomes involved in a romantic relationship with Violet, played by Jennifer Tilly. The film follows their plan to escape with $2 million from a mobster, while navigating the dangerous dynamics of their situation. Directed by the Wachowskis, Bound marked the beginning of their successful career in the film industry. Gershon praised the directors for their talent and vision, highlighting the impact that working on the film had on her career trajectory.

Gina Gershon’s decision to take on the role in Bound was a pivotal moment in her career. By defying her agents’ warnings and embracing a challenging role, she not only proved her versatility as an actress but also made a statement about the limitations and biases present in the industry. The success of Bound and Gershon’s performance served as a testament to the importance of taking risks and standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity.