In the 2012 romantic drama "One Day," Hathaway portrays Emma Morley, a young woman navigating the complexities of friendship and love over the course of two decades. Adapted from David Nicholls' bestselling novel of the same name, the film follows Emma and her best friend Dexter (played by Jim Sturgess) as they navigate life's ups and downs while struggling to define their relationship.
The scene in question occurs during a pivotal moment in the film when Emma and Dexter, who have been friends for years, finally share an intim-te moment together. As they kiss passionately in a hotel room, the mood is suddenly shattered when Emma realizes that Dexter is wearing a bright red thong.
The moment is meant to be romantic and tender, but Hathaway's reaction is so genuine and awkward that it becomes almost painful to watch. Her facial expression shifts from desire to confusion, and then to outright horror as she tries to comprehend what she's seeing. It's a moment of pure vulnerability that captures the essence of Hathaway's talent as an actress.
So, what makes this scene so awkward? For starters, there's the unexpectedness of it all. Up until this point in the film, Emma and Dexter's relationship has been fraught with tension and longing, but there's never been any indication that Dexter has a penchant for wearing women's underwear. The revelation comes completely out of left field, catching both Emma and the audience off guard.
Then there's Hathaway's reaction, which is nothing short of priceless. The way she stares wide-eyed at Dexter's exposed thong, her mouth agape in disbelief, is both hilarious and cringe-worthy. It's the kind of reaction that anyone who's ever been caught off guard in a similar situation can relate to, which is what makes it so effective.
But perhaps what makes this scene truly memorable is the way Hathaway leans into the awkwardness rather than shying away from it. Instead of trying to play it cool or pretend like nothing out of the ordinary is happening, she fully embraces the moment, allowing herself to be vulnerable and unguarded. It's a brave choice for an actress known for her poise and elegance, and it's what ultimately makes the scene so memorable.
Of course, Hathaway is no stranger to awkward moments on screen. Throughout her career, she has tackled a wide range of roles, from the lovable klutz in "The Princess Diaries" to the tragic heroine in "Les Misérables." In each one, she has shown a willingness to push the boundaries of her comfort zone and take risks as an actor.
In "Bride Wars," Hathaway's character finds herself in a hilariously awkward situation when she accidentally dyes her hair bright orange the day before her wedding. In "The Devil Wears Prada," she delivers a cringe-inducing speech about cerulean sweaters that perfectly captures the character's naiveté and insecurity.
But it's Hathaway's performance in "One Day" that truly showcases her ability to turn an awkward moment into a thing of beauty. In a film filled with poignant and heartbreaking scenes, it's the unexpected humor and vulnerability of this particular moment that lingers long after the credits have rolled.
In the end, what makes Anne Hathaway's most awkward scene so unforgettable is not just the humor or the cringe-factor, but the humanity behind it. In a world where so much of what we see on screen feels manufactured and artificial, Hathaway's willingness to embrace the awkwardness and imperfection of the moment is a refreshing reminder of what makes her such a compelling and relatable actress.
As for whether Hathaway herself finds the scene awkward, she's been characteristically candid in interviews about the challenges of filming such an intim-te moment. But ultimately, she's expressed nothing but gratitude for the experience, acknowledging that it's moments like these that push her to grow as an actor and as a person.
It's Hathaway's willingness to embrace the awkwardness and vulnerability of the moment that makes it so unforgettable. It's a scene that reminds us that even in our most embarrassing and uncomfortable moments, there is beauty to be found. And for that, we can't help but love Anne Hathaway all the more.
