Jessica Chastain is a highly praised actress celebrated for her remarkable versatility and captivating acting skills. Her career is adorned with numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award, showcasing her commitment to multifaceted roles in both cinema and theater.
Jessica Chastain plays Sylvia, a recovering alcoholic dealing with childhood trauma in Michel Franco’s film Memory. The Oscar-winning and Emmy-nominated actress Jessica Chastain opted for a no-makeup look, eschewed the luxury of a trailer, and personally purchased her costumes for the independent film’s shoot in New York.
Producers Were Skeptical About Casting Jessica Chastain
Jessica Chastain expressed during an interview that due to her involvement in larger productions and the recent increase in attention she’s received, there has been a perception that she might not be inclined to work on a set without the amenities of a trailer.
Jessica Chastain shared that after her Oscar win for her role in The Eyes of Tammy Faye, she immediately joined the set of Memory. During this transition, Michel Franco, the director, mentioned that many had speculated she might depart his project due to her recent Academy Award victory.
Chastain said (via Indiewire):
“I’m not doing a movie to be pampered. If I want to be pampered, I’ll go to a spa. I’m doing a film to work and to be creative, and I don’t need to sit by myself in a trailer.”
Franco and Chastain have already completed production on a separate film titled Dreams, set in San Francisco. This $3 million drama utilized a non-WGA script and involved approximately 60 actors and 50 below-the-line crew members, all operating under a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement and maintaining a level of secrecy similar to that of Memory.
Jessica Chastain Did Really Odd Things For Attention
Jessica Chastain didn’t become one of the most stunning actresses and an Oscar winner overnight. Evidently, she had a persistent desire for attention and the limelight. Reflecting on her early years, Chastain reminisced about her childhood when she first began her quest for the spotlight.
Chastain told The Guardian:
“I was an obnoxious kid because I wasn’t getting appropriate attention. I had always thought that I wasn’t an intelligent person because I did badly at school.”
Following Jessica Chastain’s earlier revelation about her childhood pursuit of attention, she delved into a peculiar habit she adopted to stand out among her peers.
Jessica Chastain openly acknowledged her past self as obnoxious and unconventional, candidly describing her nerdy appearance with an unfortunate haircut and fashion sense. Nevertheless, her journey led her to Hollywood, culminating in an Oscar win for her portrayal in the 2021 biopic The Eyes of Tammy Faye, fulfilling her aspiration for the spotlight.
Source: Indiewire, The Guardian
