Jennifer Lawrence is a versatile genius, perhaps there is no denying that fact. She has a lot of wonderful movies to her name including her Oscar-winning performance in David O. Russell’s 2012 movie Silver Linings Playbook. Although, Lawrence is best known for her action movie roles in The Hunger Games and the X-Men franchise.
Lawrence is undoubtedly an A-lister, breaking into Hollywood when she appeared in some TV roles. Later appeared in the 2008 movie Garden Party marking her debut in the industry. She has accomplice a lot as an actress but there are some roles she is not really proud of doing. One of those roles that took a toll on her life was Darren Aronofsky’s Mother!
Mother! Went Too Extreme?
Darren Aronofsky has never been shy about pushing his movies a bit to the edge of extremity. However, he is among critically acclaimed directors- he experiments, he is bold in his approach and is known for utilizing his creative freedom to the next level. Like some of his early works his 2017 movie, Mother! was disturbing to many critics and fans. The horror thriller is an embodiment of metaphorical elements and a lot of disturbing events. Starring alongside Javier Bardem who played the nameless character Him, Jennifer Lawrence played the nameless female protagonist Mother.
Mother! was cruel, mostly the pain and horror inflicted upon Lawrence’s character. Further, the movie is psychologically haunting. Following its unprecedented violence, the movie was in the buzz after its debut at the Venice Film Festival and had a mixed reception. Some said the movie is arthouse marvel while others felt that it came out below the expectation level. Many are concerned about pushing the audience to digest far savagery violence depicted in the film. Lawrence too, felt shaken after seeing the movie herself.
“I was really shaken. My first reaction was that we took it too far. But then after the images died down a little bit, exactly what we’re supposed to be doing and what we need to be doing. We have a message and if we watered it down to make people comfortable then what’s the point? Why even make it?” said Jennifer.
Following the release, Mother! did not enjoy the positive reception from the audience but rather was backlashed for extreme violence. However, the makers have claimed that the movie was the next Exorcist but the worldwide box office collection of just $44.5 million showed how the audience was upset.
Jennifer Lawrence Won’t Do a Mother! Sequel
It was not all the backlash but the movie also received somewhat critical appraisal to its credit. The movie has received some awards in some important festivals. However, Lawrence herself admitted her struggle to play her character. Further, she stated that doing a Mother! like film would be a big no on her part.
“I don’t regret it. I’m happy I did it. If I had to do it again? If there was a Mother! sequel? No. I wouldn’t be able to do it again. I did it once and I gave it my all,” the Red Sparrow actor said.
Recalling a scene, the actor revealed that she had prepared for one particular scene by listening to Lemonade. She did not want to do that again.
“There’s one scene that nobody should ever feel. And that’s what I said to Darren when he wanted to do it again. I was in the medical unit with oxygen up my nose and he’s like, ‘It was out of focus, we gotta do it again.’ I was like, you are making me go to a place that you have never been. I just wanted to get out and finish it.”
“It’s scary not being able to control yourself – I’ve recently had problems with plane anxiety and it’s really similar. I’m not afraid of the airplane, I’m afraid of me on the airplane and losing control of myself.”
Mother was a physically and emotionally demanding role. The actor was commendable in the portrayal, there is no doubt about that.
As of now, the actor is set to appear in the A24 film Red and White and Water. She will also play Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes in an upcoming Adam McKay movie. But before that, she will appear in Gene Stupnitsky’s comedy, No Hard Feelings which is scheduled for 23 June release.
Source: The Things.
