“I never felt like an insider when I worked in the theatre”

As a child who grew up in a small town, I always felt like an outsider, yearning for something more than what my surroundings offered. I was drawn to the arts from a young age, and when I discovered acting at school, it felt like a revelation. I knew then that this was what I wanted to do with my life.

Add Robin and the Hoods to your watchlist

Located about half an hour from Chester, Gwendoline Christie unwinds in a repurposed lounge serving as a green room for the shooting of her latest project, “Robin and the Hoods.” The renowned British actress, best known for portraying Brienne of Tarth in “Game of Thrones” and Captain Phasma in the “Star Wars” sequels “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi,” is now on native soil for a fresh endeavor: a family-oriented film.

In their own words, Robin and the gang of children fiercely protect their forest hideaway from developers aiming to transform it into a recreational facility. This tale brings to mind the charming spirit of ’80s Spielberg films with a distinctly British twist, as shared by Christie. With the backdrop of late-night tree felling being declared illegal and the pressing issues of climate change and artificial intelligence, this heartwarming story that appeals to children and families, advocating for the preservation of nature, resonates deeply with me.

Phil Hawkins gained recognition not only for being the film’s director but also for creating the widely acclaimed 2019 short “Star Wars: Origins,” a popular fan creation linked to George Lucas’s iconic science fiction universe, “Star Wars.”

As a long-time enthusiast of science fiction and a huge admirer of the Star Wars saga, I was instantly intrigued when I learned about Phil’s fan film. His creation was so impressive that it seemed as if it had been produced by Lucasfilm itself. This piqued my interest, especially since I have always been drawn to individuals who defy the odds and persist in their passions despite facing challenges.

1. In this movie, Christie portrays Aura, a solitary woman dwelling in the forest who later bonds with Robin (Darcey Ewart) to protect her residence. The storyline then transforms into a fantasy as the children’s creativity takes over, imagining their woodland playground – called The Kingdom – as a medieval realm. This transformation causes them to perceive Aura as a witch, which explains why Christie, standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, is now dressed up in her character’s long grey wig.

Christie was excited to collaborate with Naomie Harris, renowned for her role as Moneypenny in the latest James Bond films, who portrays the malevolent Clipboard. “I’ve long admired Naomie Harris from her work in the Bond movies,” shared Christie. “But her performance in Moonlight, which earned her an Oscar nomination, is simply remarkable. I jumped at the chance to work with such a talented actor.”

As a supporter, I can relate to the actress’s experience of being deeply moved by the film’s environmental message. It has ignited in me a stronger connection to my own home and community. With heightened awareness of our planet’s fragility and the climate crisis, I find myself more engaged with people who cherish the land they live on and are dedicated to preserving it. This character’s development has been influenced by a diverse set of experiences.

Christie was inspired by drama, similar to Alan Bennett’s production “The Lady in the Van.” For fifteen years, an elderly woman resided in a shabby van parked at Christie’s front door.

1. Apart from being influenced by Swampy, the British environmental activist, she also drew inspiration from the 1997 Glastonbury music festival, which she refers to as “the year of the mud.” She spent a lot of time reviewing reportage photography from Glastonbury and protests at Stonehenge, Greenham Common, and any documentary footage she could find.

Christie has never produced a typical family-oriented project up until now, instead choosing to follow her unique path. Her diverse resume includes roles in shows like “The Sandman” as Lucifer, “Top of the Lake” by Jane Campion, and Tim Burton’s “Wednesday,” as well as art house films such as Peter Strickland’s “In Fabric” and “Flux Gourmet.” She explains, “I focus on projects that resonate with me. When something truly connects, I can delve deep into it. Whether it’s a personal interest or a reflection of current events, the alignment makes it intriguing.”

1. Originating from Worthing, West Sussex, Christie initially honed her skills as a gymnast during her childhood years. However, following a spinal injury, she transitioned her focus to acting. At the tender age of 11, she discovered her passion for acting at school and continued with dance. “I yearned to be an actor from that moment,” she recounts. “That was my dream, and I pursued it relentlessly.” Regrettably, she wasn’t granted permission to attend stage school. Looking back, she is grateful for the unique journey she embarked upon, as it allowed her to explore various forms of art and express her interest in a multitude of creative outlets.

1. “Following graduation from Varndean College in Brighton and Hove, Christie completed her studies at Drama Centre London in 2005. Her education was a classical, Method-oriented program that was quite groundbreaking for its era. The training instilled in her the role of an artist, rather than focusing on commercial aspects. It was strikingly free from cynicism and immersed her fully in an artistic process without any exposure to the business world. This concept of always serving a greater idea was something she encountered for the first time there.”

Christie joined the world of theatre after her studies at Drama Centre London. Despite feeling like a outsider in this field, she found a stronger sense of belonging in the screen industry. However, she has a deep affection for live performances. In relation to this, she collaborated with artists such as photographer Polly Borland, who captured Christie in a series titled “Bunny” for her portfolio.

In my recent film critique, I had the pleasure of witnessing a new collaboration between the artist Helen Martin, a Turner Prize laureate, and our director. For me, working alongside individuals who are artists but not directors by trade presents an exciting challenge. It pushes me to communicate in novel ways and infuse unique sensations into the narrative. As someone who doesn’t typically function as a dramaturg, it’s invigorating to fully embrace another person’s perspective on narrative construction. Additionally, collaborating with various photographers and designers adds fuel to my creative fire.

Christie expresses her ambition to shift roles and begin directing films. She’s currently discussing various aspects with relevant people, taking her time in the process. Despite the tedium and frustration this brings for everyone involved, including herself, she remains committed to creating a high-quality production. With a background in visual arts and storytelling through acting, she now yearns to explore these abilities from a new perspective.

Christie, who gained prominence in 2011 after joining the cast of “Game of Thrones,” describes the experience as “unlike anything else” she’s encountered. Despite being at the center of the show’s fame, she remained focused on her character, expressing deep affection for it and the writing that brought it to life, which was masterfully crafted by George RR Martin and skillfully adapted by David Benioff and Dan Weiss.

The connection between the character of Brienne of Tarth and this individual was exceptionally deep. For decades, this character had nourished her, never faltering in its presence even during unexpected moments, such as when Brienne smiled upon being knighted. To her, this was a natural response, a long-awaited achievement expressed intimately and meaningfully.

Lately, Christie has joined the cast for the second season of Apple TV’s highly acclaimed surreal office drama “Severance”. However, there are rumors about “Thrones”, as she wonders if author George R.R. Martin will finally complete his long-awaited sixth book in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, which served as inspiration for the show. The last book, “A Dance with Dragons”, was published back in 2011. When asked about her confidence that Martin will finish the novel, she replied, “I have full faith he will. I hope so. He has been incredibly supportive and kind to me throughout the years. He’s truly amazing.” Here’s a positive endorsement for you!

Robin and the Hoods is on Sky Cinema now.

2024-07-30 19:34

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