Cameron Diaz Reveals Her Most Unlikable Movie Character Ever
Cameron Diaz opens up about her experience playing Elizabeth Halsey in Bad Teacher, a role that stands out for its unapologetic lack of redeeming qualities and marks a sharp contrast to her usual on-screen personas.
Throughout her film career, Cameron Diaz has often portrayed characters with at least some redeeming qualities. Whether she’s the spirited Princess Fiona in the Shrek franchise, a tough but kind-hearted pickpocket in Gangs of New York, or the charming lead in comedies like The Mask, There’s Something About Mary, and Charlie’s Angels, Diaz’s roles typically have a likable edge. This pattern has defined much of her time in Hollywood, making her a favorite among audiences who root for the underdog or the misunderstood.
Breaking the Mold with Bad Teacher
In 2011, Diaz took a sharp turn from her usual roles by signing on to play Elizabeth Halsey in the comedy Bad Teacher. The character is a self-absorbed, reckless middle school teacher whose life spirals after her wealthy boyfriend leaves her. Instead of rising to the occasion, Elizabeth drinks, uses drugs, curses at her students, and generally breaks every rule in the book for educators. On the surface, she’s about as unsympathetic as they come.
During a press event for the film, Diaz explained what drew her to such a deeply flawed character.
“There was absolutely not one ounce of energy spent on making anything about this character likeable,”
she said.
“It was genius. It was what I loved. I read 30 pages into the script and thought, ‘There’s no way I can play this character. How can I ever redeem her? There’s no redemption. This is a horrible person.’ And ten pages later, I was like, ‘I think I like her.’ By the end, I was like, ‘This is amazing because I don’t have to apologise.’”
Embracing the Dark Side
Elizabeth Halsey’s list of misdeeds is long. She scams the school to pay for cosmetic surgery, chases after a colleague for his money, and even frames her main rival for a string of offenses. The film is a comedy, so you might expect a classic redemption arc or a moment of self-realization. But that’s not what happens here. While it seems like Elizabeth might have changed, the final moments reveal she’s just as self-serving as ever, flipping the script on the typical feel-good ending.
Despite its box office success—earning a solid return on a $20 million budget—Bad Teacher didn’t win over critics. The film’s script, concept, and the lack of chemistry between Diaz and her co-stars Justin Timberlake and Jason Segel all came under fire. Many reviewers considered it a low point in Diaz’s otherwise impressive career.
Finding Freedom in Flaws
Elizabeth Halsey may not be the first character that comes to mind when thinking of Diaz’s best work. Still, the role offered her a rare chance to let loose and play someone with no filter and no need for redemption. For an actress known for her charm and relatability, stepping into the shoes of such a “horrible person” was a bold move—and, in its own way, a liberating one.