Jennifer lawrence has rolled out the first instalment of the last series of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay. The Oscar-winning actress blasts the paparazzi and reveals why she yells at her haters while taking a shower and seeks inspiration from men
How excited are you for your character in the movieIJ
I was excited for Katniss to come into her own as a leader but she’s still a very reluctant hero. In the first movie she wanted to save her family. In the second, she tried to save her friends and herself. Now, she starts to realise the impact she has on the wider world and that she has a choice to lead this battle for what is right.
What was challenging this time since there’s a paradigm shift in the plot of the movie considering there are no more gamesIJ
As an actor, the challenge was having Katniss wake up in a brand new environment, where she has to rebuild herself from nothing. Katniss has not only left behind her old life as a District 12 victor, she has also entered a world unlike any other. She has to get used to a new way of life in District 13. Everything is deeply unfamiliar and it’s all underground, so she can’t even go outside or hunt. She felt almost like an entirely different character because she is so stripped down and feeling so empty. It’s something that truly does happen to people after traumatic events like she’s been through. Katniss still has the same core but she’s in a completely different place inside and out.
We have Julianne Moore this time playing President Coin. How was it having her on boardIJ
When I heard she was going to play Coin, it was the most exciting, unbelievable news in the world. I think Julianne is one of the greatest actresses of all time, just absolutely phenomenal. She was even more impressive in person. She is such a sweet family woman and also hilarious. Working with her was a dream come true. Our character’s relationship in the film is complicated. They share similar ideals, but with all she’s been through, Katniss feels she cannot fully trust her. President Coin can see how important Katniss is to leading this rebellion but she also doesn’t believe Katniss can actually do it. She’s still suffering from post-traumatic stress and President Coin is skeptical that using Katniss is something that she can actually control.
What got you excited to play KatnissIJ
I think when I was first reading the books, even before I signed up for the movie. I was excited for her that I wanted her to be a leader like a warrior. In the first movie she wanted to save her herself and her sister. Playing Katniss in the third part is like a mystery because she wakes up in an alien place and she has to find herself and fight and lead the way.
How did you adapt to the mannerisms of your characterIJ
I borrowed from men, mostly, who were quieter than me…I know that’s a weird thing to say but I never really channeled a woman for Katniss. I was the only feminine part of Katniss and I felt like that was enough because I’m not very feminine anyway.
What is that one thing you kept with you as a memory from this franchiseIJ
The bow! Our props director told me that he will get a new one made for me but I wanted the exact same one that Katniss uses in the movie. It’s full of scratches. It means so much to me.
How do you feel about the message the film tries to portrayIJ
There’s something I really liked about these books. They are great but they have an important message to tell. It’s so important to know what the book says about how important one voice can be. It’s so important to learn that anyone can rise up against a voice bigger than his or her own.
How was the singing experience in the movieIJ
I actually cried the day I was to shoot for that. I hate singing, for that matter I don’t even sing in the shower. What I do in the shower is that I yell at everyone whoever I have ever wanted to yell at. I actually still haven’t heard myself singing not even the portion from Hunger Games. I just put fingers in my ear.
Hunger Games Mockingjay is dedicated to Philip Hoffman. What do you think about himIJ
Philip is an incredible actor, he’s so powerful. No matter which film he is in, you will always walk away feeling him. He resonates so deeply inside you. And also being in scenes with him is absolutely incredible.
How was the last day of the shoot considering you have already shot for the final part of the seriesIJ
On the last night we all laid and held each other like puppies. We all just felt how strong the relationship was and how strong the bond was that we’d developed over the years.
There was a lot of paparazzi following you guys on this journey. Did that make it hard while you were filming intense scenesIJ
Paparazzi suck all the time. When you’re working, it’s distracting and when you’re not working, it’s annoying. I don’t feel like anyone is entitled to know what we’re doing on our weekends.