Anne Hathaway Moved by Audience at ‘The Idea of You’ SXSW Premiere, Expresses Gratitude for Connection
Anne Hathaway was deeply touched at the premiere of her romantic comedy 'The Idea of You' during SXSW, expressing heartfelt gratitude towards the connected audience.
Ane Hathaway Cries at ‘Idea of You’ SXSW Screening
Anne Hathaway gets emotional onstage at ‘The Idea Of You’ World Premiere on March 16, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios
Anne Hathaway was emotional at the SXSW Film & TV Festival on March 16. The audience's response to her new film, The Idea of You, moved her to tears. The 41-year-old actress expressed gratitude to the crowd for their connection to the romantic comedy. In the movie, she stars alongside Nicholas Galitzine, who plays a 24-year-old boy band member named Hayes. Hayes unexpectedly falls in love with Hathaway's character, Solène, a 40-year-old single mom.
Hathaway told the audience that she couldn't talk. A fan shouted, "I love you!"
She responded, "I love you so much. You have no idea the gift that you’ve just given us with your responsiveness by being so connected to every little nuance in this. I will never forget this screening."
Hathaway shared that she was immediately drawn to the role of Solène after hearing the story from producers Cathy Schulman and Gabrielle Union. She mentioned how we often think of coming-of-age moments as only happening in our youth, but she believes that personal growth continues throughout life. Hathaway expressed her excitement for showcasing the unique May-December romance in the film.
She expressed, "I don't want to be limited or categorized based on my age, gender, or the fact that I've won an Oscar. I want to enjoy myself and make films that resonate with me."
Galitzine, who is 29 years old, was touched by the audience's response to the film. He mentioned that the chemistry between him and Hathaway was evident right from the audition stage.
Ane Hathaway Cries at ‘Idea of You’ SXSW Screening
Anne Hathaway attends the ‘The Idea of You’ world premiere during SXSW 2024 on March 16 in Austin, Texas. Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images
"He mentioned that despite the intimidating atmosphere of the rooms, there was a spiritual connection he felt with Annie. They shared a sense of humor and had an easygoing rapport. Leaving the room, he felt proud of the special connection they had formed, regardless of the outcome. The next day, he received a call inviting him to be part of the movie.
Hathaway, who dazzled in a silver Patou minidress on the red carpet before changing into a more casual outfit for the post-screening Q&A, shared that she and Galitzine had been communicating through texts and voice memos before filming. However, the first day on set in Europe served as a bonding ritual for the two of them."
On the first day of filming, we had to jump into freezing cold water and pretend like it was a luxurious Mediterranean bath. Despite the chill, we both looked at each other and thought, "Okay, let's do this." Together, we embraced the shivery experience and found a sense of sexiness.
Throughout the next 20-some odd hours, I felt reassured that I had a great partner by my side. We worked well together and I knew I was in good hands. The connection we had was undeniable, and I still feel that way.
"The Idea of You," coming to Amazon Prime on May 2, is based on a book by Robinne Lee and directed by Michael Showalter, known for his work on "The Big Sick" and "The Eyes of Tammy Faye."
Editor's P/S:
Anne Hathaway's emotional response to the audience's reception of "The Idea of You" at SXSW highlights the transformative power of storytelling. The film's exploration of a May-December romance challenges societal norms and celebrates the enduring nature of personal growth. Hathaway's vulnerability and gratitude demonstrate the profound impact that art can have on both the artist and the audience, fostering a sense of connection and empathy.
Hathaway's collaboration with Nicholas Galitzine underscores the importance of chemistry and trust in creating authentic performances. Their shared sense of humor and easygoing rapport translated into a palpable connection on screen. The physical challenges they faced on the first day of filming, immersing themselves in freezing water, served as a bonding ritual that solidified their partnership. The result is a film
