Elsie Fisher on Starring in Movie Eighth Grade

TL;DR

A young actor discusses their role in "Eighth Grade" and social media challenges.

Transcript

Jimmy: SEE, I'M VERY HAPPY TO MEET YOU, YOU'RE GREAT IN THE MOVIE. >> OH, THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> Jimmy: THE MOVIE ITSELF IS GREAT. AND I'M SURE -- HAVE YOU BEEN READING ALL THE GREAT REVIEWS OF YOUR WORK? >> YES. I HAVE BEEN READING LETTER BOX. >> Jimmy: IS LETTER BOX LIKE A THING I DON'T KNOW ABOUT? >> IT'S LIKE A FILM CRITIC THING, I DO... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🏭 The actor validates the emotional struggles of adolescence, particularly during eighth grade, making the film highly relatable.
• 🔉 They acknowledge the importance of social media in shaping the experiences of today’s youth, influencing pressures and interactions.
• 🧑‍🏭 With a background in voice acting from age five, the actor highlights their early commitment to the craft of storytelling.
• 🤗 The existence of online platforms has opened discussions about mental health and self-image among young people.
• 🎙️ Collaborative projects like podcasts reflect a shift towards community-driven creativity in entertainment.
• 💗 The actor's engagement with audiences showcases a growing trend where performers value real-time feedback.
• 🥇 The character's experiences provide insights into the societal expectations placed on youth during formative years.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the young actor feel about the reviews they've received for "Eighth Grade"?

The young actor is pleased with the positive responses they've been reading, particularly on Letterboxd, despite initially claiming it didn't matter much to them. Engaging with audiences post-screening also reassured them about the film’s reception.

Q: What are the main themes explored in "Eighth Grade" according to the actor?

The actor emphasizes the film's focus on the challenges of adolescence, particularly the social pressures amplified by social media. They relate their character's anxiety directly to their experiences, showcasing a realistic portrayal of navigating eighth grade's emotional landscape.

Q: Did the actor enjoy working with their classmates during filming?

Yes, they found filming with peers their age at a different school enjoyable. The camaraderie and shared experiences with the extras contributed to a vibrant filming environment, helping to portray genuine adolescent moments on screen.

Q: How does the actor's personal experience compare with their character in the movie?

The actor identifies closely with their character's struggle to fit in, admitting to feelings of anxiety during their own school years. They appreciated that the film allowed them to express these emotions and hopes viewers can relate to this portrayal.

Q: What inspired the actor to start a Dungeons and Dragons podcast?

The actor found a community through playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends and wanted to share that passion through a podcast. They value the creativity and storytelling aspects, noting the fun that comes with role-playing games.

Q: Does the actor envision continuing their education while pursuing their acting career?

The actor plans to try homeschooling, believing it might fit better with their budding career, as traditional schooling’s demands can be difficult to balance with acting opportunities and promotions related to their film.

Q: How does the actor feel about the current portrayal of eighth grade in media?

They believe the film accurately reflects today’s challenges for eighth graders, particularly the emotional complexities driven by social media. This perspective offers a meaningful lens for both young viewers and their parents.

Q: What does the actor think about the societal perception of school years?

The actor conveys that the eighth-grade experience is often underestimated, noting that while some may say it wasn't difficult for them, in reality, it can be a profoundly stressful period shaped by peer dynamics and evolving identities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The young actor shares their excitement about positive reviews of their recent film and admits to not caring much about critic platforms like Letterboxd.

• They reveal similarities between their personal experiences and those of the character they played, reflecting on the anxiety and challenges of fitting in at a young age.

• The actor also discusses their background in acting, starting from a young age, and their creative outlets like a Dungeons and Dragons podcast.