The blinding limelight and glamor that follow Hollywood fame are merely the superficial aspects of success that, more often than not, shroud the harsh realities of stardom. The mental plights of detaching oneself from their on-screen character paired with the various struggles behind the cameras, including burnout and sleep deprivation, and in some cases, squabbles between co-stars. The list goes on and on.
When we see a film, we only see the final product, never the blood, sweat, and tears that go into the making of the masterpiece. So, when Ezra Miller starred in a bone-chilling drama during the budding years of their career, they found themselves estranged from the world, utterly alone, and devoid of friends.
How Ezra Miller’s Dark Character Scared Their Friends
We Need to Talk About Kevin was one of those projects that contributed to Ezra Miller‘s gradual transition from a Hollywood newbie to a renowned actor in the film industry. Adapted from Lionel Shriver’s novel of the same name, the 2011 film was helmed by Scottish director Lynne Ramsay, starring Miller along with Tilda Swinton (Constantine) and John C. Reilly (Days of Thunder).
“I had a very good friend of mine—we’ve known each other for a while—see the film. Afterwards, we went out to this dance party. We were dancing and I thought that we were having a great time. He leaned over to me at one point, though, and said, ‘Listen, Ezra. I have to go. I love you but I am just immensely uncomfortable being around you so soon after seeing that film.'”
Ezra Miller’s Incessant Struggles With Mental Health
Ever since 2020, Miller has been embroiled in a torrent of controversies, ranging from felony burglary to physical assault and alleged s*xual abuse. They’ve also been accused of grooming minors and got arrested twice for harassment, albeit the charges concerning the latter were later dropped. Not to mention the rumors that painted them as the leader of a cult.
Following their most recent scandal from August last year involving the state police of Vermont, Miller, in a statement to Variety, issued a public apology for their troubled history and problematic behaviors. Seeking to be pardoned for their “complex mental health issues,” they also mentioned employing the “necessary” steps to return to a “healthy, safe, and productive stage in [their] life.”
“Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental health issues and have begun ongoing treatment,” Miller claimed. “I want to apologize to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe, and productive stage in my life.”
Their latest DCU venture, The Flash, opens in cinemas on June 16, 2023.
Source: Vanity Fair