Fiona Shaw’s Unforgettable Performance in ‘Hot Milk’: A Must-See at Berlinale

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Perhaps no one is more excited about the Berlinale than Fiona Shaw.

The Irish actress has had experience with Berlin’s historic capital, having led a production at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, yet this marks her debut at the city’s film festival.

Shaw, known for his roles in Harry Potter, Jane Eyre, and Killing Eve, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that he’s planning on taking advantage of any moments when he’s not required by the press to explore everything. He expressed excitement about a festival where many people will gather to watch movies, and he appreciates that such an event still takes place.

This year, I’m eagerly anticipating my visit to witness Sasha Shaw’s portrayal as the wheelchair-bound character Rose in Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s initial directorial venture, “Hot Milk.” Drawing inspiration from Deborah Levy’s acclaimed novel, albeit not a direct adaptation according to Shaw, this film has been adapted from the book. The story revolves around Rose and her daughter Sofia, played by Emma Mackey, who embark on a journey to the enigmatic Spanish coastal town of Almería, seeking solace in the healing wisdom of Dr. Gomez, a mysterious healer with the potential to unravel the secret behind Rose’s unexplained ailment.

However, in the sweltering ambiance of the sun-scorched town called Sofia, Sofia, who had been bound by her mother’s illness throughout her life, eventually begins to discard her reservations, drawn by the captivating allure of the mysterious traveler Ingrid (portrayed by Vicky Krieps).

Before its debut at the Berlin Film Festival and competing there, Shaw shared with THR that she enjoyed being the leading figure in Lenkiewicz’s film. “Usually, I play a character who alters the dynamics somehow… This is more akin to my stage life, where I am the main character of the movie. It feels good to shoulder the responsibility for the story. That was truly enjoyable for me.

In an interview with THR, Shaw discussed the underlying tension in Hot Milk, sharing a heated argument she had with Mackey on their first day of shooting and how her career shift from theater has been incredibly liberating: “I feel fortunate that as I enter late middle age, I don’t care what the camera captures. It’s extremely empowering.

So, this is your first Berlin! I’m surprised.

I’m obviously very young, as you can tell. I’m such a late bloomer. It’s quite amazing, isn’t it?

How have we got here with no Berlinale for Fiona Shaw?

For approximately three and a half decades, I’ve been a regular in the theater world, mostly working every evening. Over the past seven or eight years, however, I’ve found myself more involved in the film industry, and I must say, I’m thoroughly enjoying it! Recently, I finished working on “Bad Sisters,” which received numerous nominations for the Irish Film and Television Awards. Unfortunately, this recognition comes on the same night that our film is being screened in Berlin. I’m quite thrilled about it as it marks my first time at the Berlin Film Festival. The opportunity to work on “Hot Milk” has been a delightful surprise. I’ve known Rebecca Lenkiewicz for some time, and we patiently waited together as they gathered funds for the project. After several years of anticipation, it was truly exhilarating to finally bring this long-awaited production to life.

And this is Rebecca’s feature directorial debut.

The book is exceptionally well-crafted, as Rebecca skillfully delves into the core aspects of the subject matter, yet she’s made significant alterations. Her talent for writing is truly exceptional, something that has always been evident. She has contributed to numerous films, both directly and indirectly, demonstrating a deep comprehension of the art of writing.

Were you always her top pick for the part of Rose?

I hope so! [Laughs.] I think I was, yes.

So it was a no-brainer for you.

It wasn’t a difficult decision for me. If someone offers you an excellent movie, I usually say yes, and then wait with anticipation. Last year, I made a film titled “Park Avenue” which is going to the Dublin Film Festival. However, the enjoyable aspect of these roles in “Hot Milk” and “Park Avenue” was that they were significant. I often play characters who influence a situation in some way. But these roles are more essential because they resemble my theater life more closely, where I am the main character in the film, so to speak. Taking on this responsibility for the event was truly delightful for me.

That’s meatier, isn’t it? Is that what’s attractive for you as an actor?

Occasionally, the main character might need to ask many questions to reveal more intriguing aspects. The ability to make someone appear blue or red can be advantageous for surprise plot twists. Portraying a character with a daughter opens up extended discussions with both the audience and other characters, similar to a TV series where narratives can evolve and shift dramatically. I don’t entirely agree with the concept of characters; instead, I see each moment as unique and independent.

Well, I was about to say, tell me about your character…

In simpler terms, when I refer to my character, I’m essentially talking about the protagonist – the main character who experiences a significant change or transformation throughout the story. This transformation occurs in the novel “Hot Milk“.

Rose is managing an affliction that makes her unable to walk at times, but occasionally she can, causing great frustration for her daughter. This condition is called Multifocal Motor Neuropathy, and it’s characterized by repetitive involuntary movements known as tics. Dropping these tics was incredibly challenging for me! [Laughs]. They seemed to linger in my body.

Oh, wow. That’s a very physical performance for you.

Indeed, despite my wheelchair, the experience was incredibly intense and distressing. It required extensive preparation, primarily because Rebecca’s writing is exceptional and Rose’s words, whether spoken or unspoken, are particularly insightful. In a sense, she seems to navigate life by veiling truths, living somewhat in a disguise, if you will.

Inquire about the dynamic between Rose and Sofia. On-screen, we often encounter mother-daughter relationships. They are also common in various forms of art. Does this dynamic resonate with the portrayal in Hot Milk, or does it challenge our usual assumptions instead?

It’s not advisable to insert any barrier like tissue paper between mothers and daughters, as their bond is profoundly intense. I myself have a mother who I still refer to as my ‘mother’, and there’s no denying that the term ‘mother’ represents both a universal and highly individual connection. Therefore, they share a unique relationship. I may not judge Rose, but it seems she underestimates her daughter’s feelings in this relationship, given its intimate nature. However, it’s challenging because we often think we understand those close to us well, but the truth is, we hardly know them at all.

Is that the wider takeaway, the unknowability of family?

There’s no takeaway. [The film] is the takeaway.

Emma Mackey was your scene partner. Had you met before?

Oh, absolutely… There was quite a dramatic confrontation, a substantial one, between the mother and daughter. We had to tackle that on our very first encounter. [Chuckles.] It wasn’t easy at all. One moment you’re exchanging pleasantries, and the next, you’re arguing loudly.

Filming scenes out of sequence feels quite unusual. You find yourself capturing an emotional scene, hoping it matches the ones before and after. In a play, each act and scene builds upon the last from the very beginning. But in film, things work differently because that doesn’t happen. You can prepare for it, but you can’t predict it. The film is trying to reveal what you’re not trying to display.

Emma’s rapidly making a name for herself within her generation, while you’re highly esteemed with extensive experience in this field. Did the two of you find common ground? Did you share any guidance or insights?

Every day, since I’m confined to a wheelchair, she had to accompany me to the set in it. Quite a challenge for her, indeed!

Very method…

To fully participate in the game, you must give it your undivided attention. It’s not feasible to temporarily step away from a situation, such as leaving a wheelchair or taking a break during the course of play for the day.

In order to fully immerse yourself in the game, you can’t take breaks or leave and return. This means staying committed and focused throughout the entire duration of the game.

Did you enjoy it?

It’s possible that the word used might not be accurate. However, I did find enjoyment in it. I’m quite satisfied with it. Yet, the pleasure isn’t necessarily associated with the action itself. It seems challenging, but given your focus, you could certainly do it again tomorrow.

While there might be a better word to describe it, I did indeed enjoy the experience. I’m very content with it. However, the pleasure isn’t so much about the action itself, but rather its difficulty. Despite this, given your concentration, you could undoubtedly do it again tomorrow.

How have your onscreen roles differed to your career as a stage actor?

In a more straightforward manner,

Originally, I enjoyed acting on stage because my role was to convey the moral complexity of a situation. I often played characters like Mother Courage, Hedda Gabler, or Richard II who served as a voice for the audience, helping us all understand and relate to the situation. However, when I started working in front of a camera, I had to let go of that role and allow the camera to focus on me. Fortunately, as I’ve grown older, I feel comfortable with the camera’s gaze, and this new perspective has given me a sense of freedom that I truly appreciate.

I used to love acting on stage because it allowed me to express complex ideas to an audience. On stage, I often played characters like Mother Courage or Hedda Gabler who served as the voice for the audience. But when I started working in movies, I had to let go of that role and allow the camera to focus on me. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more comfortable with being filmed, which gives me a lot of freedom that I really enjoy.

Might audiences see Rose as an antagonist rather than a protagonist in Hot Milk?

She’s not typical at all. She’s incredibly intriguing and deeply saddening, yet fascinating in her own right. There’s a hint of humor and vitality about her that’s hard to ignore. Her circumstances are dire, but it’s her zest for life that I believe the audience will resonate with personally. That zest for life is what we yearn to see within ourselves. After all, isn’t a film an investigation into human nature?

She’s unique and complex. She’s sad, but also funny and full of life. Her struggles are tough, but her spirit is something the audience can relate to. The desire to live is what makes us human, and that’s why we watch movies or any kind of entertainment. A movie is all about understanding people, isn’t it?

How are you feeling about the state of the film industry?

Instead of going to the cinema, we’re choosing to stay away for now. It’s disappointing not to watch movies on a big screen, and even more so on our phones. But that seems to be where things are heading, which is changing the entire movie-watching experience, at least temporarily. Who knows what the future might bring?

Is Hot Milk getting a theatrical release?

I certainly hope so.

What are you most excited about ahead of Berlinale?

I guess what I’m trying to convey is that I intend to mention Rebecca. I’m thrilled about the existence of a festival where numerous individuals will gather to watch films. It’s fascinating to me that such an event still takes place. Nowadays, when people view things, they often ask, “Did you enjoy that?” which seems much like commenting on a painting as you walk by. However, at a film festival, the focus, effort, and purpose of the activity are heightened.

Since I have numerous commitments, I’m looking forward to catching up on other movies as well. The thrill lies in viewing recently released films within the past year or so. Doesn’t it give you a sense of the current cinematic climate, don’t you think, from film festivals? Whenever I’m not required by the press, I intend to watch as many films as possible. I can hardly wait to enjoy movies in the morning. It’s an enchanting way to watch films.

I’m so happy to hear that. I hope you get to see as much as possible.

Ultimately, what truly matters in both stage plays and movies is a strong performance – not spectacular visual effects or loud sounds. It’s all about the acting.

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2025-02-15 17:55