Joey Magidson
Die My Love is a lot of things, without question, but one thing that it is, clearly, is a showcase for Jennifer Lawrence. Co-writer/director Lynne Ramsay has again crafted an uncompromising film, with Lawrence doing some of her best work in the picture. When you watch the movie, it’s impossible not to be blown away by her. Recently, I sat down with Lawrence and Ramsay to talk about the flick. Now, as it hits theaters, the chat comes your way.
Earlier this week, my review of the film here talks about Lawrence and Ramsay like so:
Jennifer Lawrence gives one of the absolute best performances of her career here, emotionally and physically laid bare. Watching Lawrence let loose is an acting treasure, to be sure. She finds the dark humor in her depression, though the devastating nature of it, as well as of postpartum, is never mocked. Her savage humor, her devastating breakdowns, and her stunning screen presence here stands tall alongside anything she’s ever done before. Robert Pattinson is very strong as well, though it’s notably a background performance in some ways, absolutely by design. Still, Pattinson is such an hypnotic actor, watching him even just in Grace’s peripherals is still compulsively watchable. Pattinson makes Jackson a frustrating character, but always one you’re fascinated by, especially in terms of his volatile chemistry with Lawrence. Nick Nolte and Sissy Spacek are very nice in smaller parts, though each has a showcase, while LaKeith Stanfield brings a presence to a role that doesn’t have a ton to it, ultimately. Supporting players with small roles here include Clare Coulter, Saylor McPherson, Gabrielle Rose, and more, but everyone is just in Lawrence’s absolutely staggering orbit with this one.
Co-writer/director Lynne Ramsay is never one to play it safe, so it’s no surprise that there’s some very out there moments in this flick. Adapting the book of the same name alongside co-writers Alice Birch and Enda Walsh, Ramsay changes things to suit her needs, while keeping the spirit of the story intact. Visually, it’s stunning direction, with some hauntingly beautiful images. One such moment, involving breast milk and ink, will almost certainly stay with you. Ramsay is a genius, to be sure, and giving this material to Lawrence to ace is one of her finest moves to date.
Below, you can see my quick conversation with Lawrence and Ramsay. We recorded this right after they’d both received British Independent Film Award nominations, which was a nice little bonus. Those BIFA citations are evidence that the movie, while obviously challenging, puts forth undeniable work from the two of them. We get into the humor of the film, shaking the character at the end of the day, and what it’s like for audiences to be responding to its very specific tone. While a hard watch, Die My Love is a flick that rewards you in a big way for engaging with it, so make it your business to check it out now…
Here now is my interview with Die My Love star Jennifer Lawrence and filmmaker Lynne Ramsay. Enjoy:
Die My Love is in theaters now!
Comments
Loading…