Star roasts movie industry for keeping women down

Gemma Arterton has hit out at the film world for putting women in "the background" and says she has been seen as "a piece of ass".

The former Bond girl, who catapulted to global fame when she landed the role of Agent Fields in Quantum of Solace, said she had been tempted to walk off film sets in the past because of mistreatment.

In an expletive-laden interview, the 24-year-old said she had read too many of "the same" scripts with women languishing in the shadows or simply helping the male lead.

The actress, who starred in this year's blockbusters Clash of the Titans and Prince of Persia, criticised the "t**ts [in the film world] who don't deserve to be in their positions and treat people like shit".

She told GQ magazine: "I've nearly walked off very big films before, and I would, because I don't want that in my life. I want to enjoy the work I do."

Arterton said that now she was established, she wanted to work with people who respect her.

"I'm looking at working with people I get on with, that don't just see me as a piece of ass. Which I have experienced as well."

The star had just returned from Paris, where the comedy of manners Tamara Drewe has opened after being a hit at the Cannes Film Festival.

"There are pictures of me everywhere in those f***ing hot pants. But I see it as not me, it's the character. That's how I get my head around it."