Cate Blanchett, the renowned Australian actress, has made an enduring impact on the film industry with her remarkable adaptability and captivating on-screen performances. Her journey, from her breakthrough in Elizabeth to her compelling depiction of a troubled socialite in Blue Jasmine, has consistently demonstrated her exceptional versatility and artistry. However, her experience while working with Woody Allen wasn’t pleasant.
During the making of Blue Jasmine, Cate Blanchett disclosed that her director Woody Allen was unaccommodating on set, offering criticism that her performance was “awful.” Despite these challenges, Blanchett’s dedication and talent prevailed, ultimately leading her to win an Oscar for her remarkable portrayal in the film.
Woody Allen Wasn’t Impressed By Cate Blanchett’s Acting
The actress, aged 46, acknowledged that although she eventually secured an Oscar for her performance in the film, the director’s initial reaction was far from impressed.
Blanchett said (via The Guardian):
“The first day was brutal. He came up to me said, ‘This is awful and you’re awful’. As if he were talking about someone else, some other actress and that maybe I could go and have a word with her. And then three weeks later it turned out that he didn’t like the costumes, he didn’t like the locations, he didn’t like the scene. He said, ‘You’ve got to help me rescue this movie.'”
According to the actress, Allen’s lack of decisiveness compelled her to assert herself and assume control of the situation. Cate Blanchett mentioned that she recognized the necessity of asserting herself with the director, and there were instances when he appeared perplexed by her assertiveness.
She emphasized that she wasn’t overly dependent, unlike many actors who often seek validation through their questions. Instead, her inquiries primarily pertained to technical aspects. However, she noted that the director would only respond to her queries about half the time, sometimes seemingly not hearing her or pretending not to hear her.
Cate Blanchett Had An Acting Addiction
At the beginning of her career, Cate Blanchett encountered many hurdles. In an interview with The Guardian, she shared her own experiences with giving acting a try. When the interviewer suggested that she portrayed the commencement of her career in a passive manner, Blanchett was quick to assert that this wasn’t the case at all.
Blanchett told The Guardian:
“Acting had become like this terrible addiction. I felt I needed to give it five years and see where it took me.”
She clarified her perspective, describing acting as not just a profession but also an engrossing pursuit that felt akin to an addiction, which she found to be somewhat troubling. Blanchett emphasized that she committed to giving acting a five-year trial period to ascertain its viability as a sustainable career path. Within this duration, she aimed to explore its potential and then make an informed decision about her future trajectory.
Blue Jasmine is available for rent or purchase on Google Play.
