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Steve McQueen’s Casting Journey for “Blitz” with Saoirse Ronan
In the process of casting for his World War II film, “Blitz,” director Steve McQueen found himself in conversation with actress Saoirse Ronan, who showed keen interest in a significant role.
The character, a mother desperately searching for her missing son, had an important requirement: the ability to sing. To delve deeper into this, McQueen arranged a Zoom call with Ronan where they shared personal insights about their respective mothers. “It was a beautiful conversation,” McQueen recounted on Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast.
As the discussion progressed, McQueen posed the pivotal question regarding Ronan’s singing ability. Confirming her capability, she embarked on sessions with a singing coach to prepare for the role.
Recalling the moment he received feedback from the coach, McQueen braced himself for the news. To his relief, the coach reported, “‘Not only can she sing like a bird, it will only get better,’” prompting him to promptly offer her the role.
“She’s truly exceptional. Beyond just her talent, she possesses a remarkable sensibility that elevates the ordinary into the extraordinary,” McQueen expressed during the podcast.
“Blitz,” now available on AppleTV+, features Ronan’s character, Rita, who works at a bomb factory and delivers several songs throughout the narrative. The standout piece is “Winter Coat,” a heartfelt tribute inspired by McQueen’s late father. “After his passing, I held onto his winter coat, wanting to feel close to him, to embrace the memories,” McQueen shared. This emotional connection shaped the song’s inclusion in the film.
He explained that the warmth of a coat symbolizes comfort, making it an ideal choice for Rita, especially since many songs from that era often carried messages of hope for a better tomorrow.
For the role of Rita’s son, George, McQueen collaborated with casting director Nina Gold to consider various options. Actor Elliott Heffernan ultimately stood out with his captivating presence. “He has a stillness in his large eyes that reminds me of classic film stars like Buster Keaton or Rudolph Valentino—there’s a captivating intensity to his expression,” McQueen noted.
Throughout the film, George navigates the treacherous streets of London, avoiding bomb threats, creating a sense of constant tension that McQueen and composer Hans Zimmer deliberately crafted. “It takes on a dark, fairy tale quality reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm, yet it resonates on an adult level,” McQueen remarked.
While the film has transitioned to streaming, McQueen expressed his enthusiasm for its theatrical release, passionately advocating for cinema as a premier art form. “Cinema encompasses everything—music, imagery, performances; it’s like the ultimate playground. As Orson Welles famously stated, ‘It’s the best train set in the world.’ We need to encourage viewers to explore a broader range of films beyond the mainstream blockbusters,” he asserted.
Additonally, McQueen emphasized the responsibility of filmmakers to elevate their work to capture the audience’s interest.
In the latest installment of the Awards Circuit podcast, British pop icon Robbie Williams also shares insights regarding his biopic, “Better Man,” including his unique choice to be portrayed by a CGI monkey. The episode further delves into discussions about this year’s Oscar shortlists.
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, Jenelle Riley, and producer Michael Schneider, serves as a hub for engaging dialogues surrounding the film and television landscape. Each episode features interviews with industry talents, discussions on awards seasons, and analysis of ongoing headlines in entertainment.
Source
variety.com