Gwendoline Christie on making her first family film and still loving Brienne

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As someone who has spent years working in the arts and experiencing both the thrill of live performance and the magic of storytelling through film and television, I can truly appreciate the unique journeys that artists like Gwendoline Christie embark on. Her ability to find fulfillment in collaborating with a diverse range of creatives, from photographers to directors, is inspiring.

In a quiet suburban neighborhood about thirty minutes from Chester, Gwendoline Christie takes it easy in a repurposed green room for the shooting of her latest film, Robin and the Hoods. The acclaimed British actress, known for her iconic roles as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones and Captain Phasma in the Star Wars sequels The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, is now back on British soil for a fresh project: a heartwarming family film.

Robin and his band of children fiercely oppose developers’ plans to transform their beloved forest into a leisure complex. This tale brings to mind classic Eighties Spielberg films with a distinctly British twist, as shared by Christie. She expresses her strong connection to the story, emphasizing its relevance in today’s world where forests are illegally cut down at night and we face climate crisis and AI advancements. The heartwarming tale serves as a call-to-action for children and families to protect nature.

Phil Hawkins, the film’s director, gained recognition not only for his work on our film but also for his acclaimed 2019 short “Star Wars: Origins.” This popular piece of fan fiction set within the Star Wars universe created by George Lucas added to his reputation.

As a huge Star Wars fan myself, I was immediately drawn to Phil’s story. His passion and dedication to creating an exceptional fan film that resembled a real Star Wars movie was truly inspiring. It resonated with me on a deep level because I have always been fascinated by the underdogs, the outsiders who face obstacles but never give up. Just like Phil, I’ve always wanted more from my hobbies and interests, to explore them fully and push the boundaries.

In the movie, Christie portrays Aura, an isolated woman residing in the forest who later forms a bond with Robin (Darcey Ewart) to safeguard her dwelling. The plotline introduces fantasy as the children’s creativity takes over, transforming their woodland paradise – named The Kingdom – into a medieval realm. Consequently, Aura seems enchanted and witch-like to them when they encounter her, explaining why the tall and imposing Christie is presently dressed in her costume with a long grey wig.

Christie was excited to collaborate with Naomie Harris, renowned for her portrayal of Moneypenny in the latest James Bond films, who brilliantly brings the character of Clipboard to life. I’ve long admired Harris in the Bond movies, but her award-nominated performance in Moonlight left me truly impressed and I believe she is an exceptional talent. Seize the moment when such opportunities arise.

The actress has developed a stronger connection to her home and the environment following the film’s eco-conscious theme. Her newfound appreciation for the planet and awareness of climate issues has made her more in tune with people deeply rooted in their lands, influencing her character’s development significantly.

Christie was inspired by the world of drama, similar to Alan Bennett’s play “The Lady in the Van.” For fifteen years, an old woman resided in a rundown van parked at Christie’s front doorstep.

As a movie critic, I was intrigued by how the filmmaker drew inspiration for her work from various sources. She didn’t just stop at her own experiences but also looked back to past events that left an indelible mark on history. One such instance was the 1997 Glastonbury music festival, infamously known as “the year of the mud.”

Christie has never produced a traditional family film up until now, but she’s consistently followed her unique path. Her diverse resume includes roles in shows like The Sandman (as Lucifer), Top of the Lake by Jane Campion, and Wednesday directed by Tim Burton, as well as art house films such as Peter Strickland’s In Fabric and Flux Gourmet. She explains, “I take on projects that resonate with me. When something truly captures my attention, I can delve deeply into it. Whether it’s ideas I’ve been pondering, emotions I’m experiencing, or current events that spark my interest, the result is always intriguing.”

Christie, who hails from Worthing in West Sussex, was a gymnast as a child but had to change course after suffering a spinal injury. She discovered her love for acting at the age of 11 and pursued it passionately, participating in school plays and dancing along the way. “I’ve always wanted to be an actor,” she shares. “My dream was to attend a prestigious drama school, but that wasn’t an option for me. Looking back now, I’m grateful for the unique artistic journey I’ve taken. It has allowed me to explore various art forms.”

After completing her education at Varndean College in Brighton and Hove, Christie earned her degree from Drama Centre London in 2005. Her experience there was marked by a traditional Method acting technique that was quite revolutionary for its time. The focus of her training was on developing an artist, rather than fostering cynicism. Consequently, she was deeply engrossed in the artistic process but had little exposure to the commercial realm, which was completely alien to her. It was during this period that Christie was introduced to the concept of always putting ideas larger than herself at the forefront.

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After completing her studies at Drama Centre London, Christie entered the world of theatre. However, she confessed that she never truly belonged there, describing herself as “an outsider looking in.” Despite this feeling, she remains passionate about performing live work and has collaborated with artists such as photographer Polly Borland for projects like “Bunny,” where Christie serves as the model.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve been fortunate enough to team up with the acclaimed artist Helen Martin in my latest projects. Collaborating with creatives who are new to directing has been an exhilarating experience for me. Communicating in diverse ways to evoke distinct sensations and bring my unique perspective on narrative to the table is incredibly stimulating. Working alongside various photographers and designers only adds to this creative richness.

Christie expresses her desire to shift gears and assume the role of a film director. She’s currently in discussions about this new endeavor and is being meticulous to ensure a successful outcome. Though it may be tedious for all involved, she remains committed to creating something worthwhile given her extensive background in visual storytelling and acting.

Although joining the cast of Game of Thrones in 2011 brought Christie significant recognition, she describes the experience as “unlike anything else” in her career. Yet, she remained focused on her character and the captivating world created by George RR Martin and skillfully adapted by showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss. The richness of her character and the exploration it offered kept her fully engrossed, allowing her to overlook the storm surrounding her.

The connection and affection towards Brienne of Tarth’s character were deeply rooted for her. “This character nourished me through all those years. It never ceased to give me sustenance, and I remained committed to shaping it right up until the end. Even when people were taken aback, like during the moment Brienne smiled upon being knighted – an unexpected expression for some. To me, however, this was a significant and profound moment of satisfaction as she finally achieved her heart’s desire in a deeply personal and meaningful way.”

More recently, Christie joined the cast for the second installment of Apple TV’s critically acclaimed office drama “Severance.” However, there’s a question mark hanging over George R.R. Martin’s next book in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, which inspired “Game of Thrones.” The last novel, “A Dance with Dragons,” was published back in 2011. When asked about her faith in Martin finishing “The Winds of Winter,” Christie expressed optimism: “I have complete trust that he will. I truly hope so. He’s a dear friend, and he’s been incredibly supportive towards me throughout the years. He’s an exceptional talent.”

Robin and the Hoods is on Sky Cinema from Friday 26th July.

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2024-07-29 18:39