As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the worlds of video games, I can confidently say that Alba Rohrwacher is like a fearless protagonist in an epic adventure game. Her ability to believe in the impossible and her unwavering commitment to her craft make her an artist of extraordinary courage and resilience.
Alba Rohrwacher made a point to step out of Angelina Jolie’s shadow with her role in Maria.
In the biopic directed by Pablo Larraín, a 45-year-old Italian actress plays the role of Bruna Lupoli, Maria Callas’ housekeeper, opposite an Oscar winner. Although Rohrwacher had prior knowledge about the famous opera singer (since they are both Italian), it was Bruna’s presence in all the images she discovered during research that truly fascinated her.
She shared with The Hollywood Reporter that she gradually became acquainted with Bruna Lupoli, a small yet graceful woman who was astonishing. All she knew about her were others’ descriptions. So, she pieced together an image and delved deeper into understanding her by noticing similarities in the images of Maria Callas. She wondered, ‘Who is the mysterious woman trying to conceal herself behind this icon?’
As a seasoned gamer with a lifelong love for the arts, I channeled my fascination with Bruno and my acting experience spanning numerous Italian productions to bring someone usually lost in the backdrop into the spotlight.
Rohrwacher discusses with The Hollywood Reporter about the experience of working alongside Jolie and Larraín on “Maria”, teaming up with her sister Alice Rohrwacher as director, and other topics such as starring in the final season of “My Brilliant Friend”.
How did you find collaborating with Jolie and Larraín during the production of “Maria”, a film that delves into the life of Maria Callas, renowned as the world’s greatest opera singer?
I deeply respected Pablo Lorraine, admiring everything he did, so when he approached me for the role of Bruna, I was overjoyed beyond words, even before reading the script. While the script undeniably holds significance, the director’s vision is equally important to me as it represents a chance to contribute a piece of my life to his project. Thus, my decision was instinctive – I chose to follow him. It was then that I found myself captivated by an exceptional script and learned that Angelina would portray Maria. Sharing this experience with her was truly remarkable because we connected instantly, and she warmly welcomed me into the project with an open heart. Through this collaboration, I discovered my character’s essence – a selfless individual who is utterly humble, loyal, and devoid of ego. I find myself drawn to this character, appreciating her simplicity and the depth of her dedication to others.
Going back to the beginning, what made you first want to become an actor?
As a young child, I nurtured a dream due to my passion for gymnastics and acrobatics. Growing up in a rural setting, there was a forest and a village nearby, and during the summer, an unexpected French circus arrived in the village. This wasn’t just any circus; it was filled with artists, clowns, and performers who seemed like one big artistic family. Instinctively, I felt drawn to follow them. After the show, I bought a small poster of a child wearing a peculiar hat that resembled a clown mask. I placed this poster near my bed, so every night as I fell asleep, I was reminded of this tantalizing possibility. This moment marked the first stirrings of my desire to embark on such an adventure. Later, when I moved from the village to the city, I enrolled in a theater class and quickly realized that this was what I wanted to do with my life. However, I knew I needed education, so I took all necessary steps to gain admission to Italy’s National School of Cinema, one of the most prestigious institutions for studying acting.
So you instantly knew you wanted to express yourself in a creative way.
When I witnessed their slight comedic performance, I felt an urge to transform into a character like a clown or acrobat – at the moment, someone who could not only help me embrace my true self but also offer myself to another person for growth and self-discovery. It’s almost as if there’s a mysterious, magical connection between this impulse and my longing. This desire is about more than just becoming someone else; it’s about learning something new about myself and giving myself to others.
What’s it like to have the backing of your sister, Alice Rohrwacher, who not only supports you but also shares a deep understanding of the film industry from a director’s perspective?
It was odd since Alice is two years younger than me, yet we never expressed our shared dream of becoming an actress or a director. Somehow, we’re alike in many ways but distinctly different too [laughs]. We both gaze at the same world with similar intentions yet harbor different thoughts. Miraculously, we find ourselves in the same professional sphere, offering the chance to collaborate despite our contrasting roles. The prospect of working together is incredible because when we do, it feels like a unique experience as we trust each other so deeply. Our understanding is instantaneous, and our creativity blooms vibrantly. We’re able to speak truthfully to one another, even if the truth might be uncomfortable. This honesty serves as a catalyst for growth, helping us discover our best selves [improve]. I can tell my sister things that others may shy away from saying due to her directorial role, and she, in turn, can challenge me to places where I hesitate because of my vulnerability.
Were you thrilled to act as the lead in the last season of HBO’s My Brilliant Friend, having voiced Elena Greco for quite some time beforehand?
Oh, what a grand adventure it’s been! Seven years ago, we embarked on an extraordinary journey – a significant responsibility indeed, but oh so rewarding. It was more than just acting; it was a unique exploration of my Elena, a character I had the privilege to grow with over time.
If you had to describe what makes Alba Rohrwacher, Alba Rohrwacher, what would you say?
As a gamer, I find that when I fully commit to a notion, all apprehensions vanish, which might be an admirable trait. In the realm of creativity, I can even embrace the seemingly implausible, adding an extraordinary element to my artistic process. However, this duality comes with its own set of challenges. On one hand, it empowers me to surpass limitations; on the other, it leaves me exposed and vulnerable, as I daringly tread where others might fear to venture. This double-edged gift, in essence, is both my strength and my weakness.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-12-13 18:55