Film “Lilly” Highlights Equal Pay Legacy Amid Political Challenges
NEW YORK — The new film “Lilly,” which tells the story of Lilly Ledbetter, a symbol of the fight for equal pay, is making its way to theaters during a challenging time. Many of Ledbetter’s key supporters in politics and civil rights are no longer in leadership roles, as the political landscape has shifted dramatically.
This film features archival footage of notable figures like the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama, who signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009. This act reinforced the rights of workers to challenge pay discrimination.
Also featured is Jocelyn Samuels, portrayed by Deirdre Lovejoy. At the time of Ledbetter’s struggle, Samuels was at the National Women’s Law Center, advocating for the fair pay law. Currently, she finds herself amidst a legal battle after being dismissed from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) by President Trump, a move that has raised concerns about civil rights.
Ledbetter passed away in October at the age of 86. Soon after, Trump’s election brought uncertainty to hopes of passing the more comprehensive Paycheck Fairness Act that Ledbetter supported, which aimed to enhance the EEOC’s ability to address pay discrimination.
Patricia Clarkson, who plays Ledbetter, openly addresses the political backdrop of the film directed by Rachel Feldman. At the premiere, Clinton made a surprise appearance, and Clarkson reflected on how her mother would have felt proud of her role as Ledbetter.
In a recent interview, Clarkson expressed that the crux of Ledbetter’s story is about a regular working mother who only realized she was being underpaid after learning her male colleagues earned significantly more. This drove her to fight for what was right.
Q: How did you prepare for this role, especially without meeting Ledbetter?
A: I was concerned I might mimic her if I met her. I wanted to portray her truthfully, focusing on her journey. Bringing her back to life meant connecting emotionally, rather than solely copying her mannerisms.
Q: What insights did you gain from studying her written works?
A: I studied her writings but prioritized capturing her emotional essence. The struggle for justice is often painful, and that needed to be present in my performance.
Q: How does the current political climate impact a film like this?
A: While many Democrats have supported Ledbetter, she was not strictly political. She advocated for equal pay irrespective of party lines—because fair pay should matter to everyone, regardless of where they come from.
Q: What does the film ultimately convey about Lilly that audiences should remember?
A: Lilly’s resilience is inspiring. It’s a reminder of American values and the importance of standing up for one’s rights.
“Lilly” arrives at a pivotal moment, reminding audiences of the ongoing fight for equality and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.
