Kate Winslet has revealed that fear held her back from directing until now, marking her debut with the film Goodbye June. The acclaimed actress, known for her roles in blockbusters such as Titanic, candidly shared her journey in a recent interview with Empire magazine.
Overcoming Fear and Reluctance
In her conversation, Winslet expressed that the decision to step behind the camera was a significant personal challenge. “I just decided – ‘F*** it. I’m gonna do this,’” she stated, reflecting on her earlier hesitations. The 50-year-old actress admitted that she often cited family commitments as a reason for not directing sooner, but upon reflection, she recognized that fear was a major factor. “I realised that the reason I hadn’t directed before now was because I was probably scared,” she explained.
Winslet highlighted the additional scrutiny faced by female actors transitioning to directing roles. She articulated her awareness of the hurdles that actresses encounter, stating, “I do believe there is a good deal more scrutiny placed on: ‘Can they or can’t they do it?’” This acknowledgment underscores the ongoing challenges women face in the film industry.
A Unique Story of Family and Loss
Goodbye June tells the poignant story of siblings reuniting to spend time with their terminally ill mother, June, portrayed by Dame Helen Mirren. Winslet emphasized her desire for authenticity in the character, noting, “It was very important not to set her up as the perfect, cosy parent.” She believes that the complexities of dealing with loss often lead to moments that are both uncomfortable and humorous, which she wanted to portray accurately.
The process of directing proved to be demanding, particularly with Mirren’s availability limited to just 16 days during filming. Winslet recalled the intensity of the experience, stating, “I had no option but to just throw myself at it with as much energy as I could muster and just keep going.” This fast-paced approach is emblematic of the British filmmaking style Winslet embraced during production.
Reflecting on her directorial experience, Winslet expressed a newfound openness to future projects. “I’m not saying, ‘Oh, it all came naturally to me’, because I don’t want anything to ever come naturally to me,” she remarked. “But I’m relishing every single day.”
In previous discussions, Winslet has articulated feelings of responsibility towards other women in the industry. On the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, she mentioned the pressure she felt from colleagues urging her to take on directing opportunities. “The more I’m not doing it now, with the need to change the culture, the more I feel like I’m actually letting down other women by not doing it,” she said, emphasizing the importance of representation in the film industry.
As Winslet embarks on this new chapter in her career, her journey embodies the struggles and triumphs many women face in the creative industries. With Goodbye June set for release during the Christmas season, audiences will have the opportunity to witness her artistic vision firsthand.
