The 2024 Envelope Actresses Roundtable: The power of ‘No’
I cannot help but be deeply moved by the resilience and strength displayed by these remarkable women, Kate Winslet and Ariana Grande. Their journey through the making of “Wicked” has been nothing short of extraordinary, as they poured their hearts and souls into portraying complex characters that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Their dedication to each other and to their craft is truly inspiring, especially when you consider the challenges they faced during production – from physically demanding performances to emotionally draining scenes. Their ability to maintain a strong bond throughout this experience speaks volumes about their character and determination.
What strikes me most, however, is the raw vulnerability that these women have shown in discussing their emotional journey. It’s refreshing to see two artists who are not afraid to open up about the challenges they faced and the impact the film has had on them personally. In a world where authenticity is often lost amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, it’s heartening to see these women embracing their emotions without fear or shame.
To lighten the mood, I can’t help but imagine what it must have been like for Kate and Ariana to share a dressing room during those emotional scenes – one singing about love lost while the other cries over a broken heart. Now that’s a duet I’d pay good money to hear! 😊
Being first on the call sheet gives an actor significant influence. The name at the top of the production schedule carries a unique level of reverence – a respect reserved solely for the main actor who shoulders the burden of guiding their fellow performers during filming.
In the production of “Wicked,” Cynthia Erivo frequently found herself in a situation where she was required to cut down her break time between filming days, despite sharing top billing with co-star Ariana Grande as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West whose gentle side contrasted her ominous name. Even after spending four hours getting green makeup applied, she was occasionally asked to reduce her downtime – this is the period an actor gets for rest, recuperation, and rehearsal before the next day’s filming begins.
On a crisp November morn, as I was diligently wiping away my film-set makeup (a process that took another hour), I found myself fielding questions from my fellow actresses. They asked, “Cynthia, when can we come and fetch you?” as we sat together on The Envelope Actresses Roundtable, discussing the roles that have catapulted us into this year’s awards season buzz.
Awards
In a natural and easy-to-read manner, the actors Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Colman Domingo, Peter Sarsgaard, Sebastian Stan, and Jeremy Strong immerse themselves in their roles, share honest narratives, and collaborate with your director on set.
In her own words, “I’ve spent many years figuring out how to decline such requests,” says Kate Winslet. She plays a photographer in the movie “Lee,” where she transitions from photographing models for Vogue to capturing the horrors of the Holocaust.
Danielle Deadwyler states, “I believe you’re persisting with everyone, nonetheless,”. To which the response is, “Indeed, I’m listed on the schedule, but forget that schedule. We are all part of making this film. I prefer to be with the lighting technicians, set assistants, and production assistants, and the second assistant director. This is a privilege.
Most recently, Deadwyler has been seen in a production of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson,” portraying a widowed single mother holding onto a cherished family artifact. On this particular Sunday, she can be found alongside Cate Blanchett, Danielle Brooks, and Cynthia Erivo. In “The Substance,” Demi Moore’s character undergoes a profound physical change following an illicit rejuvenation procedure. Meanwhile, Zoe Saldaña makes her comeback as a lawyer defending a Mexican cartel leader in the musical “Emilia Perez” and takes on dual roles: one as a woman battling sobriety in remote Scotland in “The Outrun” and another as a British mother in search of her missing son amidst the London bombings during World War II in “The Blitz.
Discussing among themselves, they explore the strength of refusing, the potential creative constraints presented by blockbuster movies, and the occurrence of emotional outbursts during promotional events.
These excerpts from that conversation have been edited for length and clarity.
Is there something you wish you’d known about the business before you got into it?
Kate Winslet: I believe being able to navigate situations involving potential nudity requires good judgment. This includes speaking up, such as saying “I don’t think that’s the best angle for the camera” or “I’m not comfortable with my robe being so far from me.
Cynthia Erivo: There don’t need to be 20 people in the room when we’re shooting.
In my personal experience, I’ve found that communities with a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support are more fulfilling to be a part of. Growing up, I didn’t have a formal mentorship program, which made it challenging to seek help or advice when I needed it most. At times, my hesitation to ask questions or seek guidance held me back from reaching my full potential. However, as I grew older and found myself in supportive environments, I realized the importance of having a community that looks out for one another. These communities have played a significant role in shaping who I am today, and I believe they can make all the difference in people’s lives.
— Demi Moore, on feeling safe on set
In a movie called “Ammonite,” Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan shared an exceptionally close scene. During that time, it struck Winslet that their boom operator was male. She then asked the first assistant director if they had a female boom operator available for the day. Unfortunately, they hadn’t considered it beforehand. However, their third assistant director, Lucy – a kind Welsh woman – stepped up and said she would do it despite having no prior experience. And so, Lucy stood there, holding the boom for the first time in her career.
Kate Winslet
Saoirse Ronan: We found it incredibly empowering because, as far as I can tell, we were practically the only actors on set. Both of us began our careers at a young age, have extensive experience, and aren’t shy about voicing our comfort levels. For once, we felt like we were in control, setting the terms for how we would work together.
Kate has played a significant role in the lives of many, including myself and Shailene Woodley, as well as numerous young actresses. She’s been our guardian angel, always taking us under her wing. Even at my age of 30, I find comfort in knowing that there are younger talents emerging. I strive to ensure these upcoming actors, both male and female, know they can reach out to us if they ever feel lost or simply need someone to confide in. We will always be here for them, just as you were for me, and the impact has been profound.
Demi Moore: On the set of “The Substance,” I was pressured to quickly approve the nudity scenes as if I was causing delays. When I arrived, I spoke to my younger co-star Margaret Qualley, and she inquired if I had signed off on it already. I replied that I assumed I was the last one, so I agreed reluctantly since she hadn’t signed hers yet. However, upon learning this, I withdrew my approval and stated that we would only be bound together. In doing so, I also requested the right to review a scene after it had been edited. Let me tell you, neither of us made any changes. But having the opportunity to contribute to the discussion and feel valued, that’s what makes a difference. And I believe this speaks to how things have evolved. There is now more camaraderie and a greater sense of support among cast members. Since we don’t have an established mentorship system, when you’re young, it can be intimidating to ask questions sometimes.
Zoe Saldaña expresses: Growing up in a culture that emphasized respect for elders, I found that sometimes children’s voices were not heard. It’s crucial to remember this and empower young people by giving them the freedom to make their own choices. Making the decision to say “no” can be life-saving, preserving one’s sanity, and fostering a sense of safety. When a child responds, “I understand what you’re saying, but I politely decline,” it is incredibly powerful and touching.
Winslet: To tell the truth, it seems we had to learn through tough experiences since, as young actresses starting out in the business, we were often advised to keep quiet and not cause trouble. “Don’t make a scene,” “Don’t be difficult,” and “Avoid getting a reputation” – these are phrases that I believe weren’t directed at our male counterparts. We had to fight for our voices, which we now use collectively, and they were hard-earned.
Zoe, it appears that you’ve starred in three of the highest-earning movies of all time: both “Avatar” films and “Avengers: Endgame.” This opportunity would seem like a dream come true for any actor. However, you’ve mentioned that these roles were creatively limiting for you.
Having a conversation with them was tough since their comments didn’t align well with the discussion we were having about this topic. However, I am always grateful. To be a student of James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, and even James Gunn, J.J. Abrams is an honor that humbles me deeply, as these men are creative geniuses. They provided me with opportunities that took my career to places I would have never envisioned if I had planned it myself. As a brown girl from Queens, it’s hard for me to imagine how I could have orchestrated such a path on my own.
However, these achievements transformed into franchises, making them part of a system with fixed dates and schedules that could extend beyond two to three months, sometimes reaching four to six months. This was particularly challenging as it coincided with my 30s, a time when I fell in love, got married, and started a family. For quite some time, I lost sight of what I truly desired. One day, during a heated conversation with my husband, he questioned me, “What do you want?” I broke down, admitting, “I don’t know what I want. I yearn to begin anew.” On the surface, it might appear that I have everything, but there were countless occasions when I felt compelled to doubt myself, thinking, “Who am I to desire more?” Yet, I did yearn for growth.
I used to push my limits and amaze myself by taking on new challenges. However, I fell into a rut and stopped doing so. What I want now is to keep growing and testing my abilities, asking myself, ‘Is this something I can do?’
Zoe Saldaña
Ronan: Listening to you describe your dedication to personal life outside of work almost brought tears to my eyes. It sounds as if you’ve sacrificed a significant amount of personal time, which can make one lose touch with their own identity. I believe it is crucial, despite our commitment to excelling at work like we all do, to also allocate time for loved ones and personal life. This not only enhances the quality of our work but adds depth to our experiences as well.
Saldaña: But you started so very young. How were you able to balance, or did you balance?
Ronan: To some degree, I believe I did. Having the mother I have has greatly impacted me. Since I was often surrounded by adults in movies, nobody anticipated anything more from me than a child delivering a performance. However, at every wrap party and post-premiere event, my mom would eventually signal it was time to leave home. We lived in a house whenever we were on location, never staying in a hotel. She cooked dinner for us every night. She helped me memorize lines. There was a routine to my evenings outside of work, which I still carry with me today.
Outside of our professional lives, I’m curious to know what everyone enjoys doing for fun. By the way, Danielle, I remember you mentioning that you earned a master’s degree in creative writing at some point. How does your passion for writing manifest outside of work?
Danielle Deadwyler: Yeah.
Winslet: Good girl! F— great. Was it Columbia?
Deadwyler: Well, that was the other one.
Erivo: The other one?
Winslet: Alright, let’s spill it! We’re curious about everything else. Please share with us the details of your everyday life.
Deadwyler expresses that he’s been fortunate to juggle his personal performance and visual art, along with commercial film projects. This unique blend has provided him the creative freedom to delve into topics significant to him, mirroring his identity. He skillfully intertwines these cinematic experiences, making them more profound. During this period, he completed his academic studies, became a mother, and experienced life in a way that influences both aspects of his life. Now, he no longer distinguishes between the two, as real-life constantly dialogues with artistic expression.
Erivo found out that you completed your master’s degree, which greatly motivated him as he has been striving to complete his own PhD for quite some time now.
Deadwyler: Go back. I’m trying to figure out how to do that too.
Erivo mentioned that she was granted a place in the Radcliffe Fellowship at Harvard University. However, she hasn’t had the opportunity to participate yet, which led her to reflect, “I need to get organized and find a way to make this happen.
Deadwyler: You can do it.
Danielle Deadwyler
Demi, before “The Substance,” is it true that you were considering leaving the industry?
As a cinephile, I found myself drifting, unsure of my place amidst the films I was watching. It seemed nothing was truly bad, yet nothing was exceptionally good. A thought crossed my mind: could this be the end of my cinematic journey? Had I accomplished all that I set out to do in this realm? But then it struck me – if I didn’t have an answer to that question, I needed to channel my focus and drive to find one. And amazingly, just two weeks later, “The Substance” landed on my desk, a piece of material that stirred emotions within me for the first time in a long while.
It falls upon me to recount her tale, a narrative that requires courage, as it involves sharing the life of a middle-aged woman with flaws, one who braved the battlefield to testify, paying an immense emotional toll in return.
— Kate Winslet, on why she needed to make “Lee”
Hey Kate, it’s evident that “Lee” had a profound impact on you, as you’ve been working to bring it to life since 2015. Can you share what about her story resonated with you so deeply?
Winslet: This woman is a highly influential and significant figure historically, and when I looked her up in 2015, the information presented was about her past relationships with Man Ray and her appearances on Vogue covers. This didn’t sit well with me because it seemed unfair to define such important women based on their love lives while men are not subjected to the same scrutiny. I felt compelled to highlight her story and showcase a tale of a flawed, middle-aged woman who went to war to witness the events, which came at a high emotional cost for her. She struggled with PTSD and alcohol abuse. However, when I spoke to potential male investors about this project, they would express excitement but ask, “Why should I find this woman appealing?
What would you say to that?
Winslet: To be honest, I had numerous phrases starting with ‘F’… However, instead of using those words, I simply said something along the lines of, “Clearly, I won’t be making the movie with you.
Cynthia, during the promotional events for “Wicked”, it seems that both you and Ariana Grande have displayed a great deal of emotion. Can you tell us what aspect of this story has triggered such strong emotions in you?
From my perspective, this enchanting tale appears to revolve around a woman transforming into the Wicked Witch of the West, alongside Glinda the Good Witch, and their bond. Yet, upon closer inspection, it’s a narrative that delves into the lives of two women grappling with personal losses in unique ways. My character, in this story, embodies a woman who navigates life feeling profoundly unloved, struggling with a strained relationship with her father who rejects her, and learning to find her place as an older sister without overshadowing others. As someone who has experienced the pain of my own father’s disownment, I could deeply relate to these themes.
Awards
Discussing the flexible approach of Edward Berger, Brady Corbet, Coralie Fargeat, James Mangold, Denis Villeneuve, and Malcolm Washington regarding adaptation, women’s rights in cinema, and an intriguing topic: vaping within the Sistine Chapel.
At the outset of our film collaboration, we established a pact: a shared space for storytelling, mutual protection, unwavering honesty, and avoidance of petty squabbles. We endured significant challenges, both physically and mentally demanding, often requiring immense vocal effort. For instance, I was suspended in mid-air wearing a harness and corset while singing concurrently – this can only be accomplished with a sense of safety. Over the course of one to two years, we upheld this agreement before finally sharing our journey with others. As we discuss it now, memories of our shared struggles resurface, explaining our recurring emotional state as we revisit our past experiences.
Ari is quite amusing. She expresses, “I can’t fathom why people fear emotions,” and I concur. I can’t comprehend why we were once hesitant to witness two women who experienced something shedding tears about it. I believe nowadays, it’s more like a joke. However, in the beginning, it might have been “Why do they always cry?” Well, because they shared nearly half a decade of their lives together.
Winslet: Your eloquent words make me ponder deeply about our current era, particularly since the #MeToo movement. This is a collective endeavor we’re all engaged in, as we learn to listen to each other with more empathy. I believe that what we truly yearn for is sisterhood and solidarity in our shared understanding. I think this movement has given us permission to reveal our struggles, to say “This job can be incredibly painful at times,” without fear of judgment or shame. Of course, we’re fortunate, so we don’t want to appear self-centered, but the truth is, it does hurt. And in this time when we’re listening more attentively, you can almost feel a vibration beneath everyone, especially the younger generation. They are the ones who will inherit our responsibilities and continue shaping the world.
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2024-12-31 14:32