ROONEY MARA: "I AM AWARE OF HAVING A STRANGE, OFFBEAT BEAUTY"
Hacker punk in Millennium or incarnation of Mary Magdalene, cerebral Rooney Mara is an inspired artist and a committed woman. In the wake of Audrey Hepburn, this American actress with troubling beauty plays the ambassador of Givenchy for the perfume L'Interdit.
"Is not it magic?" Against the backdrop of a huge bay window at Crosby Street Hotel in Soho, Rooney Mara's silhouette merges with the cast iron facades and fire escapes of Lower Manhattan buildings. . Dressed in a sculptural white organza dress that would have gone like a glove to which she is often compared, the young American actress is captivating with her carefree sophistication. She also has the complexion of Girl with pearl and jade green look, somewhat hieratic and haughty, which gives it an offbeat beauty.
Everything is in contrast to her, like the women she embodies in the movies: Therese, the vulnerable and sulphurous saleswoman-photographer who falls head over heels in Carol, by Todd Haynes; Faye, the romantic guitarist of Song to Song, by Terrence Malick; Lisbeth Salander, the hacking punk of Millennium. "My studies have certainly helped me dive into the psyche of my characters," says Rooney Mara, a graduate in psychology and humanities at New York University. Two-time Academy Award nominee for the 2015 Cannes Film Festival for Carol, the New York actress is pursuing a formidable career built on daring choices.
"I accepted the title role of Marie Madeleine, Garth Davis (released last March, Ed), because we discover an extraordinarily courageous woman ... we would have today defined as feminist". Charismatic and committed, this impetuous brown twig was also chosen by Givenchy to embody L'Interdit, reinvention of a mythical fragrance created for Audrey Hepburn in 1957. With its disarming charm, not devoid of sharp self-deprecation, Rooney Mara speaks to us of beauty, but also of cinema, art and ... animals, a passion she shares with her companion met on the set of Her in 2013.
What awaken in you the scents of this fragrance Givenchy ... The Forbidden?
A mixture of contrasting sensations: it is solar and dark at the same time. And I am also attracted by his name, which questions what is or is not allowed, which encourages one to free oneself. And then, her bouquet - jasmine, patchouli ... - awakens in me memories of travel and globe-trotter that I was: at 17, I traveled alone to South America.
What do you like in the relationship between Hubert de Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn?
The elegance. Can this term be used to describe a relationship? Yes ! There is an elegance in the feelings: it's so beautiful to see two artists working together for so many years. One can only dream watching Audrey Hepburn dressed by Givenchy in masterpieces like Sabrina or Diamants on couch ... And then, I love the story that accompanies the birth of this perfume created for her. Hepburn launching at Givenchy: "I forbid you to market it!" Obviously, she was ready to share it with millions of women, but not without humorously highlighting his jealousy, his exclusive role as a muse. Both of them also had an old school side in which I recognize myself. A politeness, already almost outmoded for their time, coupled with extreme audacity, a desire to break the codes and to do as their own. Behind her apparent vulnerability, Audrey Hepburn was a tough guy! All this resonates in me.
Your job makes you travel a lot. What makes you feel at home while traveling?
Books. I always have it in my suitcase. I just bought The courage to not be loved, Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, a little treasure. It is an exciting conversation between a philosopher and his disciple, based on the theories of the Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler, a student of Freud. An invitation to find happiness without seeking recognition ... I recommend reading because we live in an era that places too much importance on the often confused opinions conveyed by social networks. Otherwise, I listen to a lot of music, which helps me refocus and feel at home. My favorite musicians are the same as when I was 16: Nirvana, Radiohead, Fiona Apple, The Smiths, Pixies, Queen, The Beatles. And Patti (Smith), a great inspiration to me.
In Terrence Malick's movie Song to Song, you give a reply to a shocking Patti Smith ... What did this meeting bring you?
Patti Smith is one of the most extraordinary, committed and authentic people I have met. This film was a dizzying experience, especially when I found myself shooting with her playing her own role, without any scenario! I was paralyzed ... She was calm, smiling, full of ideas! In an improvised scene, she talks to my character about her husband (Fred "Sonic" Smith, who died in 1994), shows me her wedding ring and a ring that she bought after her death, and tells me, "This is that we offer to those who participate in a marathon, who do not win but who go to the end. "A lesson in life, courage.
Aside from Terrence Malick, you've worked with several improvisers, one-take scenes like Steven Soderbergh ... Do you feel a certain pleasure in this vertigo?
I like taking risks! And I love the sensibility of a Todd Haynes, who, on the set of Carol, left us, to Cate (Blanchett) and to me, a great freedom. I have a weakness for filmmakers who work in a certain blur and leave all possible spring when the camera lands on you. But I also appreciate very square directors, like David Fincher (The Social Network, Millennium) ... Being directed, therefore. If a filmmaker has talent, you become his palette of colors, an extension of his line, his imagination.
Are you aware of your beauty, this somewhat intimidating charisma?
(Burst of laughter.) I do not feel intimidating at all, but it makes me happy to imagine having an impact! And I am aware of having a strange, offbeat beauty. It has not always been easy to manage, but I find it more interesting. Standardized beauty does not interest me.
You have often posted photos of Diane Arbus or sculptures of New York artist Kiki Smith on your Instagram account ... Could you name a few of your favorite artists? ...
I am very sensitive to the symbolic work of Francesco Clemente, an Italian who collaborated with Basquiat, to the raw and dreamlike art of Henry Darger's paintings and to the works of Kiki Smith, which links nature and man. I like paintings that can disturb, like those of Egon Schiele or Marcel Dzama, an artist whose characters and fantastic animals upset me. And I'm passionate about photography: Diane Arbus, who inspired my line of clothing, Saul Leiter, creator of atmospheres who fed, for Carol, the imagination of Todd Haynes. I wanted to become a photographer, but I'm not good enough.
You are also very committed to the protection of animals ...
Yes, I am an activist and I fight against the way we treat animals. It's been seven years since I'm a vegan. I was already vegetarian, a deliberate choice since I was 7 years old. I am not one of those who prefer animals to human beings; I just want us to take care of our planet instead of destroying it. I admire who has been a pioneer in the field of fashion. This year, with my childhood friend, I created Hiraeth, my line of clothing and shoes for those who want to wear accessories without any animal component. It's an independent brand that fascinates me. I also participated in the fabulous documentary Dominion (which she is the narrator with Joaquin Phoenix, Ed), which questions our relationship to the
animal kingdom ...
You also worked with the Uweza Aid Foundation in Kibera, Kenya, near Nairobi, one of Africa's largest slums. Are you still involved in this project?
Absolutely! It is a foundation that helps orphaned children as well as adults through various education programs. I started working there at the age of 20 with my friend Jen Sapitro. I have been there often since my studies and will return this year.
You are very close to women ... What is your view of their role in today's society?
The process is started, women are no longer silent. It's heartening to see doors open, conversations being woven, and many men feel concerned. I think parity has to go not through the threat but through the understanding. And the only way to understand is to listen. Listen, debate, it's exciting, it wakes up, it makes us feel more alive.
