Part 8/15:
A significant point raised by critics and industry insiders is that Hollywood's struggles with ageism are less about actual lack of roles and more about a lack of creativity and willingness to develop authentic stories for women across the age spectrum. When considering roles for older women, there is often a tendency to default to clichés — such as grandmothers, retirees, or femmes fatales — that limit character complexity and storytelling potential.
This problem is evident even in acclaimed films like Everything Everywhere All at Once, which featured Michelle Yeoh in a complex, leading role, defying stereotypical aging portrayals. Yet, such exceptions are rare, and Hollywood’s general approach remains heavily influenced by market-driven formulas that favor youth and traditional beauty.