I wish I could say the costumes were as comfortable as they were beautiful... The corsets take some getting used to
Elle Fanning stars in a satirical, comedy drama about the rise of Catherine the Great. Here the star tells us what to expect from the period romp...
IF YOU think a historical drama about the longest reigning female ruler in Russian history may not be a barrel of laughs, you would be wrong. This fictionalised account of a young, idealistic Catherine, played by Elle Fanning, who arrives in Russia for an arranged marriage to the spoilt and petulant Emperor Peter, played by Nicholas Hoult, is hugely entertaining.
Created by Tony McNamara, who co-wrote Oscar-winner The Favourite, The Great also plays fast and loose with history.
This darkly comic tale follows the trials and tribulations of Catherine as she quickly realises she would make a better ruler than Peter.
Here, Maleficent star Elle, 22, explains what drew her to the role of the monarch.
How would you describe your character?
CATHERINE is an idealistic young woman who finds herself in a backwards world, married to a tyrant.
She quickly realises she would be a better ruler and plots to take over the throne.
Catherine is romantic and naive at the start, but throughout the series her ruthlessness grows.
What drew you to the script?
I WAS drawn to Tony McNamara’s singular voice. The tone and world he created was one I had never read before. The effortless blend of dark, bizarre comedy and emotional realism.
I read the script before I saw The Favourite so I really had nothing to compare it to.
The elaborate period setting, the over-the-top situations, yet still grounded characters, all set in a high stakes environment.
Above all, Catherine as a character was what made me have to be a part of the show. She is such a dichotomy of a person.
Each page surprised me with what she was willing to do.
Tony captured her struggle as a woman trying to navigate a patriarchal society and not always succeeding.
She isn’t a perfect character. She is learning as she goes along with the guidance from the court.
How much did you know about your character before filming?
I HAVE to admit I did not know much. I knew she was the Empress of Russia, but I did not realise all the amazing things she did for her country.
Sadly, the world has reduced her legacy to a false rumour about her and a horse.
She brought art, science, and women’s education to Russia.
And she invented the roller coaster! I stopped there once I learned that.
Anyone who invents the roller coaster has got to be fun!
The Great does play loose with history. Our show is by no means a historical document, but hopefully captures the essence of the real Catherine the Great and what she achieved and stood for.
What were you most curious about regarding your character?
I ABSOLUTELY love Catherine’s unapologetic arrogance. She has a youthful confidence, which translates to always having a way to problem solve. She loves herself and truly believes she is best for the job. Her optimism pushes her through some extremely tough situations. Throughout the series, destiny plays a beautiful role. Catherine’s love affair is not really with a man, it’s with a country.
As you say, the script knowingly plays fast and loose with history...
VERY early on, Tony told us to put away our history books. I wanted to create my own version of Catherine. I still approached her like I would any character. I guess the most different was it being a 10-hour series instead of a two-hour film. Having the luxury to explore and pace myself with a character was a blessing.
The series is set in Russia but is filmed in English...
SINCE we are not following the history books and in actuality, we would be speaking an entirely different language altogether, it made most sense to go with an English accent across the board for all characters.
Tony writes for the rhythm and cadence of the English accent. It sounds much more delicious.
The period costumes look terrific.
THE costumes are drop dead gorgeous. I wish I could say they were as comfortable as they were beautiful. The corsets take some getting used to.
I do not envy the ladies of the time. All of us women were so jealous of Nick (Hoult) and the other guys because they would saunter around shirtless or in robes!
Corsets aside, the way my costumes tell Catherine’s journey is vital. Her silhouettes stay pretty simple and practical compared to the ladies of the Russian court.
My main colours were pale blue and green. But of course, at the end there is an electric pink dress (my favourite) that summarises Catherine perfectly.
It is her birthday dress and the dress she’s going to kill her husband in! It encapsulates her femininity, youth, and boldness.
The Great is a lot of fun to watch. At the same time has a lot to say in a world still living in the fall out of #MeToo; would you agree?
OUR show is about a young woman expressing her opinions loudly and being shut down for doing so.
But Catherine persists in making herself heard.
Did you have a favourite scene to film and was there a most memorable line of dialogue?
IN EPISODE two, Nick and I have a scene at the breakfast table. It was one of our first long back and forth scenes. We’re just sitting and firing back at each other.
I remember feeling so elated and having so much fun with Nick. He is such an incredible actor and human.
We work very similarly and like to try off the wall ideas whether they work or not. He has made Peter entirely three dimensional. A character who on the page is so nasty and vile, Nick makes likable and charming.
Also, we are always the first to crack and laugh in scenes. Once we start it’s hard to get us to stop!
My favourite line of dialogue, I have to say, was, “the horse said no, and nay means nay.”
2020 was quite a year; how would you describe your own experience of it?
2020 affected everyone. We will always remember this particular year.
It has been a time of fear, loss and sorrow, but has hopefully brought us all together. Everyone on this planet has been affected by the pandemic in one way or another. It has given us a commonality that hasn’t existed for so long.
It has certainly made me more grateful and reminded me not to take the small things for granted.
I hope 2021 brings peace and unity and many, many hugs!
We are always the first to crack and laugh in scenes. Once we start it’s hard to get us to stop!
Elle Fanning on working with co-star Nicholas Hoult
The Great starts on Channel 4 tomorrow at 9pm.