Emma Stone Reflects on Painful Corset Experience During Filming of The Favourite
Emma Stone, the Academy Award-winning actress, recently opened up about the physical toll of wearing period costumes for her role as Abigail Masham in the 2018 film The Favourite. Known for its biting humor and historical drama, the movie required Stone to don restrictive corsets that left a lasting impact—both figuratively and literally. In a candid interview, she revealed how the tight garments caused significant discomfort and even temporary damage to her body, shedding light on the challenges actors face to embody their characters authentically.
The Physical Strain of Period Costumes
Stone, now 36, described the corsets used in The Favourite as “torturous” during a recent discussion at a Los Angeles press event for her latest project. Playing a cunning servant in 18th-century England, her wardrobe included tightly laced corsets designed to reflect the era’s fashion. “The corsets were so intense that my body felt completely out of whack,” Stone shared. She explained that the constant pressure shifted her organs slightly, causing weeks of discomfort. “You’re not supposed to bend or breathe properly—it’s like your ribs are screaming for mercy,” she added with her signature dry humor. Despite the pain, Stone noted the costumes helped her fully inhabit the role, giving her insight into the restrictive lives of women in that period.
Medical Impact and Recovery
The actress revealed that the corsets caused temporary displacement of her internal organs, a phenomenon confirmed by medical professionals on set who monitored the cast’s health. “It wasn’t permanent, thank God, but it took a few weeks after filming to feel normal again,” Stone said. She experienced digestive issues and shortness of breath during production, common side effects of prolonged corset use. Historical costume expert Dr. Rebecca Gibson, quoted in a Vanity Fair piece, explained that tight-lacing can compress the stomach and intestines, sometimes shifting the liver or spleen slightly. Stone emphasized that the production team ensured regular breaks and medical checks to mitigate risks, but the physical challenge was undeniable.
Bonding Through Shared Suffering
Stone wasn’t alone in her struggle. Co-stars Olivia Colman and Rachel Weisz, who played Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill, respectively, also endured the grueling corset experience. “We’d all sit there, loosening our laces between takes, commiserating like we were in some bizarre torture club,” Stone recalled, laughing. This camaraderie helped the trio deliver their critically acclaimed performances, earning The Favourite 10 Oscar nominations, including a Best Supporting Actress nod for Stone. Director Yorgos Lanthimos praised the cast’s commitment, noting in a 2018 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that their willingness to endure physical discomfort added authenticity to the film’s portrayal of power dynamics and repression.
A Glimpse Into Historical Realities
The corset ordeal gave Stone a deeper appreciation for the historical context of The Favourite. “It made me think about how women were literally confined by society’s expectations—physically and otherwise,” she said. The film, set during Queen Anne’s reign, uses its costumes to underscore themes of control and ambition. Costume designer Sandy Powell, a three-time Oscar winner, intentionally designed the corsets to be both beautiful and oppressive, mirroring the characters’ struggles. Stone’s reflections echo sentiments shared by other actors, like Keira Knightley, who criticized corsets’ health impacts after filming Pirates of the Caribbean.
Fan and Industry Reactions
Fans on social media platforms like X have praised Stone’s candor, with posts highlighting her resilience and dedication. One user wrote, “Emma Stone talking about corset damage on The Favourite is a reminder of how much actors sacrifice for art. Iconic.” The revelation has also sparked discussions about modern filmmaking’s reliance on historically accurate but harmful costume practices. Some industry insiders advocate for safer alternatives, like flexible corsets with modern materials, to protect actors while maintaining visual authenticity. Stone herself suggested a middle ground: “Maybe we can keep the look but make them less like medieval torture devices.”
Looking Forward: Stone’s Perspective
Despite the ordeal, Stone expressed no regrets about her role in The Favourite, which remains one of her proudest achievements. “It was worth every squished organ to work with Yorgos, Olivia, and Rachel,” she quipped. Now promoting her upcoming film Bugonia, Stone continues to take on diverse roles, but she’s wary of corsets. “If a script says ‘period drama,’ I’m asking about the wardrobe first,” she joked. Her story underscores the lengths actors go to for their craft, offering a poignant reminder of the physical and emotional demands behind Hollywood’s glamour.