Hollywood hottie Katie Holmes as Jonas’ mother and Taylor Swift, as Rosemary, confess that their roles in The Giver were very complex and challenging. But it was something they couldn’t say no to. While Holmes found it an uphill task to understand her complex character, Swift had to ditch her blonde look and sport a brunette wig, they tell Deebashree Mohanty in an email interaction. The Giver releases globally on August 15
Katie Holmes :
What is your role in The Giver all aboutIJ
I play the character of Jonas’ mother (Brenton Thwaites). It is an interesting role. She holds an important position at the Department of Justice. Her relationship with Jonas is beautifully portrayed. I am glad I said yes. The movie got the best out of me.
How was it to share screen space with Meryl StreepIJ
I had to pinch myself to believe it. I had never imagined that I would get this big honour. I remember, when I was three films old in Hollywood, I had said it in some interview that working with Meryl Streep is the only thing I look forward to now. She is a power house of talent. When the cameras rolled, she was spot-on and such a pro at everything. It was a thrill to walk on the sets with her. There is so much to learn from Meryl. She prances around like a lady on a mission. I wish I could age as gracefully as her. Her excitement and passion is commendable.
How different is the movie from the novel by lois lawryIJ
The movie is based on the book so the director has stuck to facts as they were. Since the 1993 novel, was a runaway hit, it has been an essential part of many childhood memories. Hence, it was necessary to stick to the ground as much as possible. Every person associated in some way to the film has put in a lot of hardwork on this project. The aim is to make it interesting for the audience to watch. And I think we have achieved this to an extent.
What is the one takeaway from this filmIJ
The entire idea that there is a community where there is no sickness, death and pain is wonderful. But, at the same time, this very community is kept away from colour, Nature and love. That is the issue we are tackling through this film. We are working around the basic philosophy that a society with love is crucial. Even though there is death and destruction, love prevails. As humans, we should adopt this ideology. A lot of my work and interactions are governed by this.
What part of the movie was a huge challengeIJ
It was a challenge for me to understand the role of Jonas’ mother. She is a strict woman who makes sure that no one disobeys the rule in the community. Jeff helped me while filming the role. He had been working on the story since 20 years. As a producer and actor, his involvement in this film was stupendous.
Any messageIJ
I want the audience to see the movie and enjoy it in its true essence. Pay attention to detail. If you miss a plot, you’ll be lost.
What is keeping you busyIJ
I am shooting for The Woman in Gold by Simon Curtis. It is based in the WW II period.
Your thoughts on Bollywood.
I have heard a lot about Indian cinema. The work Indian cinema does is thrilling. Unfortunately, I haven’t see any Indian movies.
What kind of role attracts youIJ
I love roles which challenge me as a person. It is easy to portray yourself rather than portraying someone you are not. Other than that, I like drama and romcoms.
What made you say yes to play Jonas’ motherIJ
When Jeff Bridges approached me with this script, I felt this was an opportunity of my life. The character I portray is difficult. I hope I have done justice to it.
Taylor Swift:
Tell us more about Rosemary, the character you play in The GiverIJ
It’s weird to put my role into words because it is unbelievable and quirky. Basically, Rosemary is an emotionless person. She is the first child who was designated to be the Receiver of Memory, but after five weeks of training with The Giver she was asked to be released from the community.
How difficult was it to portray an emotionless person on screenIJ
Oh my God! It was a big challenge, since emotions play a very important part in my life. My songs depict all kinds of emotions in life and that’s what my fans know me for. Understanding Rosemary and then portraying her was not easy at all but our producer made sure that each person took her time to understand the script.
You are sporting a brunette wig in this film. How do you like this new lookIJ
When I put it on and looked at myself in the mirror, I was taken aback. But I guess you get used to it after a while.
The colour and the hairstyle were essential to the plot. The irony was to play the role of an
emotionless person so we decided to keep it simple. It’s such a different, separate world, but we didn’t want to go futuristic. We needed pleasing colours that didn’t jar or disturb the character’s calm existence, so we worked mostly with pastel colours and introduced primary colours when the drama shifted and memories came forth.
How was it working with the rest of the castIJ
For someone like me who has just started her career in acting, it was a phenomenal experience to star opposite the likes of Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes and others. I was nervous when we began shooting. But they are a friendly lot. We had a pretty nice time.
Why did you sign up for this roleIJ
A friend had recommended this book and the novel deeply affected me when I was in school. I always thought to myself — was such a world even possibleIJ How would the characters beIJ When I was approached to play Rosemary, it was like divine intervention.
What are the other things lined up for 2014IJ
My film The Secret Service is expected in theatres this November. It’s a spy thriller, wherein I am required to have some heavy-duty martial arts training so that my character convincingly kicks Samuel l Jackson’s butt.
Is there a remake or a role that you would want to see yourself inIJ
I would love to play Will Smith’s character in Pursuit To Happiness because that describes me the best. That is exactly how I am. I have seen the film so many times that I can repeat dialogues at will. It is my favourite film till date.
Are you a voracious readerIJ What do you think of lois lowry’s novelIJ
I love reading but I don’t have time to pursue this passion. lowry is known for writing about difficult subject matters and complex issues like racism, terminal illness and murder. Her topics are very challenging and not for everyone. But, personally, I feel like I have a connect whenever I read her stuff.
Your BFF status with Selena Gomez is much talked about...
My friendship with Selena is probably the longest ever! In the glamour world, it is something that is very difficult to achieve. We had some problems but we have sorted them out now. Her friendship is something I really value. Both of us have stuck it out and hung in there through all the different changes we’ve gone through.