Jennifer Lawrence Talks Gary Ross & Francis Lawrence in Vanity Fair: “They’re Almost Polar Opposites”
The full cover story for Vanity Fair‘s February 2013 issue, featuring Jennifer Lawrence, has been released. She spoke about the differences between The Hunger Games director Gary Ross, and Catching Fire director Francis Lawrence.
What are the differences between Francis Lawrence and Gary Ross?
“They’re almost polar opposites,” Lawrence said of the two directors, being quick to add, “and both are completely perfect for these movies. Francis is kind of genius at building different worlds and transporting you into another world. The vibe on set is much quieter. Gary is very energetic. Francis is very laid-back and very calm.”
“I read the Hunger Games books when it was Oscar season, so for the first time I was in these dresses which didn’t look like me and didn’t feel like me. I felt like a walking rag doll. I remember sitting there in hair and makeup, listening to the things that they were talking about, and most of the things I didn’t even know. My dad called them the pit crew—they did hair and makeup and nails all at the same time. So I read that and I was like, ‘I know exactly how that feels.’ And then, in the second book, people’s relationships to you suddenly change. You’re aware of people staring at you.”
Even Katniss’s relationship with her mother?
“That’s different. I call my mom sobbing all the time. But it’s dealing with the repercussions of having no more anonymity. You lose privacy. And then, the third book, I teared up when I read it, because she finally realizes she can do good with it. Children are in the hospital, and just going and meeting them can lift their spirits and give them hope. As much as this is a curse, as stupid as it sounds, to make as much money as I am by doing something that I love, it’s hard not to regret it when you’re being chased by 15 strangers. All you want to do is rent a house, but then you have to rent one with a gate, and you’re like, What have I done? This is so stupid.”
Has [Woody Harrelson] taught you anything about acting?
“Woody and I have never really spoken about acting. We’re very similar. Francis always makes fun of me, because I show up on set and I have no idea what we’re doing or even if I have a line. So he’ll text me in the morning: ‘Do you have any idea what we’re doing? No? O.K., let me tell you.’ And last year Woody goes, ‘Man! I’ve never worked with somebody who makes me feel like I’m workin’ too hard!’ ”
When did you feel like you could act—like ‘I can do this’?
“I did a sitcom [The Bill Engvall Show] when I was like 16, and I was like, ‘This is fuuun. This is awesome.’
What a fabulous interview, and what a unique mind she has. And the story about the girl with the burns…wow.
I love how honest she is. I hope the celebrity world doesn’t change her. Then again, she is very passionate about The Hunger Games, and that’s one of the main points of the story, to never let anyone change you. I hope that stays with her forever. Such talent, and she sounds like such a great person. She’s really an idol.
@SPM – Agreed, this was a fantastic interview. She certainly seems wiser than her years.
I wish she wasn’t so bothered by the fame. I understand where she’s coming from losing her privacy and sense of solemnity, but at the same time all these people only are giving her praise. She’s so talented and I wish she would have an easier time embracing the fact that these “strangers” just appreciate her on such an intense level.