Anya Taylor-Joy Has Never Been More Alone Than She Was Making Furiosa- A Mad Max Saga 100
Warner Bros.
Anya Taylor-Joy, 28, opened up about her emotional challenges during the filming of George Miller’s upcoming Mad Max spinoff, Furiosa.
In an interview with the New York Times, Taylor-Joy shared that she felt incredibly isolated during the process. She described it as a tough experience, mentioning, “I’ve never been more alone than making that movie.” Everything she expected to be simple turned out to be difficult, she explained.
Taylor-Joy was relieved to have a break between finishing the movie in November 2022 and starting press for its release on May 24. She mentioned needing the two years to process everything that happened during filming.
When asked to explain further about the challenges she faced on set, Taylor-Joy simply replied, "Ask me again in 20 years."
Taylor-Joy faced challenges while bringing Furiosa to life in the movie Mad Max: Fury Road, directed by George Miller. The character, originally portrayed by Charlize Theron, serves as a prequel and origin story of the Imperator.
During the filming, Taylor-Joy expressed her admiration for George Miller and his vision for the character. However, she mentioned that Miller had a specific idea of Furiosa's war face, which required her to convey emotions primarily through her eyes. She described it as a challenge to portray the character with minimal facial expressions and limited dialogue.
Taylor-Joy has just 30 lines of dialogue in the 2-hour and 28-minute film, reminiscent of the fast-paced feel of Fury Road. According to Miller, too much dialogue can drag down a movie meant to be experienced at a high speed.
Anya Taylor-Joy Has Never Been More Alone Than She Was Making Furiosa- A Mad Max Saga 099
Warner Bros.
However, Taylor-Joy wasn’t in full alignment with Furiosa’s impassiveness, noting to NYT she’s a “strong advocate of female rage.”
"We're all human beings, and sometimes we reach a breaking point," she said. "In that movie, there's one scream that was really important to me. I had to fight for it for three whole months."
Taylor-Joy emphasized that any conflicts on set were peacefully resolved, recognizing that the director ultimately has the final say.
Taylor-Joy emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and collaborative approach during filming. She acknowledged that it was crucial for her to always engage in a conversation rather than being disrespectful. She highlighted that ultimately, the director's vision was paramount, and while she could offer her input, his decisions were final.
Despite any challenges faced during the filming process, Taylor-Joy expressed that she does not have any regrets about being a part of the movie. She shared that the experience allowed her to undergo personal growth and transformation, indicating that it was a valuable and impactful journey for her.
Not everyone in the world has made a Mad Max movie, but every person I've met who has made one shares a special connection. We can see it in each other's eyes - a sense of understanding and kinship.
Editor's P/S:
Anya Taylor-Joy's candid account of her filming experience for "Furiosa" paints a vivid picture of the emotional and artistic challenges she faced. Her isolation and the pressure of embodying such an iconic character underscore the immense task she undertook. Taylor-Joy's determination to convey Furiosa's emotions through her eyes and limited dialogue showcases her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft.
Furthermore, her advocacy for female rage highlights the complexities of the character and the importance of representing diverse emotions in storytelling. Taylor-Joy's respect for the director's vision while also advocating for her own artistic contributions demonstrates her professionalism and willingness to collaborate. Her journey in making "Furiosa" not only reflects her growth as an actress but also sheds light on the collaborative and transformative nature of filmmaking.