Few cultural properties have even tried to put forth a truly ugly heroine. In recent years, for instance, we’ve gotten to see television’s version of George R. R. Martin’s Brienne of Tarth, described as hideous in the novels but played onscreen by Gwendolyn Christie, who is just tall. Somewhat more transgressive is Furiosa of Mad Max: Fury Road, visibly disabled and stripped of her hair and other feminine signifiers, but still portrayed by Charlize Theron, perfect face and figure and all, under the motor-oil makeup. What would a heroine look like who truly embodied the unbeautiful wilderness?
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