CELEBRITY Jennifer Lawrence is ready for a change of pace.

This is Jennifer Lawrence.

AT JUST 22, Jennifer Lawrence had the world at her feet, with an Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook, nonstop film offers and scores of adoring fans thanks to her talent and charm. (Remember her endearing admission of her penchant for hamburgers and reality TV?) Six years later, having been launched firmly into stardom by roles in two mega-franchises (X-Men and The Hunger Games) and three Golden Globes, Lawrence chooses to work in both mainstream movies, like Passengers and Red Sparrow, and edgier films, such as Mother!, a dark collaboration with Darren Aronofsky. Although she’s known for her ambition and workaholic nature, the 28-year-old actress and Dior ambassador recently decided to change pace and is taking the time to explore something other than acting.

Have you always preferred making films to going on vacation?

“Oh, no—I’ve changed. When I was younger, I didn’t know what to do with my life apart from work. I was focused on my career, and, thanks to that, it’s now possible for me to take a break, to say no to certain things and to not have to read every script I’m sent. I can slow down and cultivate other aspects of myself.”

For example?

“I’ve become passionate about politics. I think that the election drastically changed something in me, and I’ve taken an interest in corruption and also deregulation. I work closely with Represent.Us, an anti-corruption association, and I try to keep informed. I’m also busy decorating my house in New York and looking after Pippi, my chihuahua mix.”

You are attached to play Zelda Fitzgerald in the upcoming biopic by Ron Howard. What attracted you to the character?

“She was a force of nature. She flouted convention. She wrote incredibly well, she had a vast imagination and her love story with F. Scott Fitzgerald was downright fascinating. They were made for each other, but they also destroyed each other. I’ve never had a relationship like that— luckily I’m attracted to calmer scenarios— but it doesn’t mean that I don’t find them fascinating.”

What’s the secret to a calm relationship?

“Think before you speak! That’s one of the most important things I’ve learned.”

Certain feminists have criticized you for being okay with standing out in the cold in a light dress when you were promoting Red Sparrow while the men around you were all wrapped up. How do you feel about that?

“I think it’s irresponsible. There’s a real conversation going on right now about the pay gap between men and women. Obsessing over that dress—that I chose to wear, just like I choose everything I wear—sabotages this important cause. Personally, I see feminism as a fight for economical, political and social equality. It has nothing to do with what you do or don’t decide to wear.”

Have you gotten used to being constantly observed and judged?

“I don’t know if you can ever get used to it. I try not to place too much importance on what’s written about me by people who don’t know me. There are some wonderful people in my life—I have wonderful friends who really know me. As I get older, I realize that those are the people I don’t want to disappoint.”

Were you upset by the critical failure of Mother!?

“If you had told me back then that the film was going to be so badly received, I would have made it anyway. It’s my favourite out of all the films I’ve made. I know it will stand the test of time because it’s great cinema. I’ve never been so committed to a role before, never given so much to the camera. On-set, I could feel my body changing just before each take, as though my knees were giving way a bit under my weight. It was a spiritual experience. It changed me.”

You’re going to be the face of Joy by Dior, the first new Dior perfume since J’Adore, which is almost 20 years old. Were you a part of the creative process?

“Yes, I went to meet François Demachy [the Dior perfumer-creator] in his laboratory in Paris, and he made me smell all the different raw materials he was thinking of using. We decided on something lemony and floral with sandalwood in it—it’s a charming, feminine perfume that’s musky but discreet. I’m really happy with the result.”

What are your first perfume memories?

“It was a Dior perfume—go figure! My mother wore Miss Dior, and her pillow, bathrobe and clothes all smelled of it.”

What was your first perfume?

“Curious by Britney Spears. [Laughs] I got it when I was 14, and until Joy came into my life, it was my favourite perfume.” ®