Vanessa Kirby on The Crown, Meghan & Harry Interview and Watching a Woman Give Birth

TL;DR

Vanessa Kirby shares insights on her role in "Pieces of a Woman" and her experiences preparing for it.

Transcript

you know our next guest from her emmy nominated portrayal of princess margaret on the first two seasons of the crown set in a time when members of the royal family went unnoticed by oprah her clinically acclaimed movie is called pieces of a woman is this about money no is it is it about what what people think it's about you it's about you having to... Read More

Key Insights

• 😫 Vanessa Kirby's portrayal of Princess Margaret in "The Crown" garnered her significant acclaim, setting the stage for her current recognition.
• 🧔‍♀️ "Pieces of a Woman" serves as a deep exploration of motherhood, showcasing the emotional turbulence associated with childbirth and loss.
• 🫒 Preparing for her role involved extensive dedication, including living in character to maintain the authenticity required for the film's dramatic scenes.
• 🥳 The unique birth scene filmed in one continuous shot posed significant challenges but also offered an opportunity for raw, powerful storytelling.
• 🥳 Observing real births provided Vanessa with valuable insights into the emotional and physical realities women face during labor, enriching her performance.
• 🤴 Navigating discussions about the royal family in relation to "The Crown" underscores the interesting intersections between fiction and real-life counterparts.
• 😥 Vanessa openly shares the pressures and surreal nature of award season, pointing to the unpredictability of recognition within the acting industry.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the most challenging part of preparing for the role in "Pieces of a Woman"?

The most challenging aspect was mastering the American accent while engaging in intense emotional scenes. I dedicated a month to staying in character and accent, even adjusting my daily interactions. This commitment helped me fully immerse myself in the complex emotions during filming, particularly in the birthing scene.

Q: How did Vanessa manage to stay focused while filming such an intense scene?

To maintain focus during the birth scene, I practiced staying in character for weeks leading up to filming. This involved rehearsing and blocking specific emotions to ensure authenticity, particularly since I had to deliver intense lines without slipping into my natural British accent, which can happen under emotional stress.

Q: Did Vanessa watch any delivery videos or attend births for research?

Yes, I shadowed midwives in a maternity ward, which allowed me to observe various deliveries. It was an incredible experience to witness the raw and powerful moments as women brought life into the world. I was humbled and inspired by their strength and the intimacy of those experiences.

Q: What was Vanessa's reaction upon receiving award nominations?

I often find out about nominations through notifications on my phone. It’s surreal and somewhat overwhelming. I don’t actively keep track of deadlines, as there's so much happening during filming. When it happens, it feels slightly disconnected, especially with the virtual nature of awards lately.

Q: How did bridging the gap between her preparation and on-set performance feel?

It felt surreal to be fully immersed in both my role and the real-life experiences I witnessed. Being in delivery rooms and seeing the emotions of mothers firsthand gave me deeper context for my character, enhancing my performance with genuine feelings and reactions.

Q: What significance does she attribute to the emotional intensity in her character's journey?

The emotional intensity reflects the profound struggles and realities faced during childbirth and loss. Characters are often portrayed in simplified terms. In "Pieces of a Woman," the journey unveils the raw, unfiltered aspects of motherhood, aiming for authentic representation of both joy and pain.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Vanessa Kirby discusses her Emmy-nominated role as Princess Margaret in "The Crown" and reflects on the challenges of embodying her character. She addresses the importance of focus during performances.

• The actress elaborates on her preparation for "Pieces of a Woman," particularly the commitment to her American accent and the emotional scenes, especially during a long, intense birth scene.

• Kirby shares her experience shadowing midwives in a delivery room, highlighting the profound moments she observed and the gratitude of the mothers for her presence, culminating in a remarkable birth experience.