Image Source: Vogue, TheTandD.com

Sofia Coppola is all in praises for her long-time friend and collaborator Kristen Dunst.

Kristen Dunst who recently starred in a successful and critically acclaimed psychological drama Western movie, ‘The Power of Dog’, has received praises for her exceptional acting skills. But what makes this movie more special for Kristen Dunst is that she got to collaborate with someone who has admired her work for the longest time, Jane Campion. Jane Campion who has helmed the screenplay of the movie shared during the Hollywood premiere of the movie, “She’s an actress I was deeply interested in. I love her, and she is that brilliant actress. She has to just put clothes on a line, and I’m riveted.”

Kristen Dunst stepped into the industry with film-maker Sofia Coppola’s ‘The Virgin Suicides, and the two went on to work on two more movies including, Marie Antoinette and The Beguiled, which according to Jane Campion was when she fell in love with the actress’ work. Sofia Coppola recalled that it was the extraordinary work Kristen did on her three films is that drove Jane Campion to work with the actress. Sofia Coppola said Jane Campion has “always been so encouraging” to her.

During a recent interaction, Sofia asked the actress how she found out that she has been finalized for the role of Rose and how she prepared for the role. The actress said that she prepares for the role in various ways and detailed that she worked with her dreams, pulled from past experiences, and listened to Jonny Greenwood’s ‘There Will Be Blood’ score to prepare for a scene. Kristen shared that she had borrowed an acting tip from Susan Sarandon after the two worked on ‘Little Women’, she explained, “Susan picked a scent for every role she played. I liked that and I took that with me after.”

Adding to how actors prepare for a specific role, Sofia shared that her father, Francis Ford Coppola had always encouraged the actors to rely on something similar that only they know about. Giving an example she shared, her ‘father encouraged actors on a film to wear silk charmeuse lingerie under their costumes', though she didn’t specify the film.’ Kristen also added that Jane’s extensive two-week rehearsal process helped her a lot to prepare for the role. The actress added, “The older I get, you let it go because you want it to be the most authentic. With Rose, really, it’s about acting in a Jane Campion movie, too. She wants to live in these moments for a really long time. She doesn’t want to edit them up.” 

Sofia Coppola and Kristen Dunst. Image Source: Baltimore Sun

Kristen Dunst who is a critically acclaimed actress shared that she does not like to talk much about her character before it’s time to actually do the work when other actors are also giving their best. She said, “The biggest talkers are not always the biggest doers.” Sofia asked the actress how she picks up a project she wants to work on to which Kristen said, “I’m director-driven, mostly. You can be so good in a movie and work so hard and if you’re not in the right hands, it doesn’t really matter. I worked with you at such a young age and that gave me a different confidence that maybe most young actresses don’t get to have because they’re always seen through a male gaze.”

Kristen went on to compliment Sofia by sharing that she usually makes sure that the environment around and on the set is open and quoted, “You want a safe environment for your actors, for them to be vulnerable, for them to express. You’re good at guiding and you’re good at expressing something you want with an example. Not everyone knows how to do it and how to talk to actors. That’s an art in itself.” Sofia added that creating an environment for actors is a tricky thing because one might not understand how to give others space.

“I feel like you and I don’t have to talk. There’s a shorthand and I can say a little thing. … I am always so excited to see what you’re doing to do — it’s so fun. You always surprise me”, Sofia said. Later the filmmaker asked the actress to look back to her journey and point out things that have or have not changed for women to which she replied, “I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career. Looking back now, I think people have embraced certain films that maybe weren’t as big of a success at the time. Whoever watched me growing up, those peers have appreciated past movies that maybe people older than me didn’t. I feel like I’m coming into this other world where my fan base has grown up. We’re in it together, in a way. That’s the coolest thing about getting older, right now, in this business for me.”

Sofia lastly added for her beloved friend, collaborator, Kristen Dunst, “I’m so proud of you. Of course, I love Jane, and seeing you and Jesse together. It’s so fun to hear about your work.” It always feels extra-special to be complemented by someone who has seen you grow as a person and as an actress.

Information Source: Hollywood Reporter