Photo credit: www.bustle.com
Elizabeth Olsen demonstrates a remarkable ability to navigate darker roles in her acting career, portraying complex characters such as a villainous sorceress in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a conflicted housewife in the recent series Love & Death. However, her latest project, The Assessment, is described by Olsen as surprisingly enjoyable despite its dystopian setting.
In a recent conversation, Olsen shared her enthusiasm for the film, stating, “I found it to be very exciting and playful, and something that I don’t think I’ve ever been able to play around in,” during a Zoom interview with Bustle.
Now available in theaters, The Assessment revolves around the characters Mia (played by Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel), who agree to participate in a government-mandated evaluation overseen by Virginia (Alicia Vikander). As Virginia’s unconventional assessments take increasingly alarming twists, the couple faces intense pressure and challenges. Olsen maintains that the film possesses a unique levity, remarking, “There’s always a sense of humor and play. I never felt burdened by this because I don’t feel burdened reflecting on our existence and big questions in it.”
In the following sections, Olsen elaborates on her thoughts about the importance of science fiction, the narratives surrounding parenting, and her excitement regarding a resurgence in romantic comedies.
What attracted you to The Assessment?
Olsen expresses that science fiction serves as an excellent medium for audiences to explore and contemplate the essence of existence. She believes The Assessment creatively addresses significant themes, including parenthood, environmental concerns, and societal resources, in a manner that is both engaging and insightful.
Your character faces challenges in navigating Virginia’s unpredictable behavior. Have you experienced a time in your life when pretending felt particularly difficult?
Olsen admits to struggling with pretense, often grappling with the societal expectations of demeanor. She reflects on the difficulty of maintaining composure in the face of rudeness, noting the challenge of preserving one’s dignity without resorting to rudeness in return.
Are you comfortable with the concept of “fake it till you make it”?
While acknowledging the potential advantages of adapting to social expectations, Olsen candidly states she has never been adept at this practice in her personal life.
Motherhood emerges as a recurring theme in many of your roles, including that of the Scarlet Witch. What fascinates you about playing characters related to motherhood or longing for it?
Olsen emphasizes the universal relatability of the sacrifices people make for their loved ones. She notes that while her characters may be extraordinary, the film raises fundamental questions about who is entitled to parenthood and the diverse motivations behind the desire for children.
Do the experiences of your characters influence your thoughts on personal choices regarding parenthood?
Olsen clarifies that her life informs her performances rather than the other way around, stating that her beliefs drive her storytelling choices and her attraction to particular narratives.
Your character grapples with feelings of alienation. How did this resonate with your own experiences?
Olsen discusses the character’s sense of abandonment, drawing parallels to her personal life. She reflects on a significant conversation with her grandmother, realizing that understanding others’ histories can foster empathy and reveal commonalities.
You have a romantic comedy in the works featuring Miles Teller and Callum Turner. What can you reveal about it?
Olsen describes the film as a throwback to classic romantic comedies, evoking the style of Billy Wilder. She describes it as a heartwarming and humorous exploration of life’s journey and the connections we create, set to be released in the fall.
What do you think about the resurgence of romantic comedies?
Olsen expresses her enthusiasm for this trend, noting a refreshing take on the genre. She believes that successful romantic comedies need to move beyond contemporary cultural references to remain timeless and engaging.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Source
www.bustle.com