MUCH MORE THAN MURIEL
Toni Collette talks about ‘Miss You Already’, her new film about friendship and cancer that elicits as many laughs as it does tears
Toni Collette on the sadness and joy of Miss You Already
The right people made Miss You Already. There happens to have been a lot of female energy [it was directed by Catherine Hardwicke]. I can’t say it would have been better, worse, more accurate or less accurate if directed by a man. It would have been different if directed by anyone else. Everyone brought their personal perspective and talent.
There was a lot of laughter, and yes, a lot of tears. My character, Milly, is a ball-buster (amongst other things) so she wasn’t going down easily. She fought cancer with her unique sense of humour. Getting up close and personal with cancer is an emotionally complex experience. I was moved by all the people who told me their personal stories. I was moved by the story itself. Sadly, the disease is so prevalent that most people know someone who has battled cancer. So pretty much everyone working on the movie really wanted to respectfully capture the truth of it. You appreciate the levity when it comes.
I wrote Drew a letter before she took on the role. I explained why I thought this particular film needed to be made. It’s an important story about female friendship. Among other things, I also told her I thought it was interesting casting. Most people would expect us to play each other’s role given what they know of us and our work. I adore Drew. She’s a beautiful and unique person. We had a ball. And we’ll be buddies for life, such was the bond this film provided.
The characters I play linger. Milly was particularly hard to shake. I loved playing her: so gorgeously complicated. I think I really only play characters to whom part of me relates on some level. Muriel [from Muriel’s Wedding ] will always be in there along with the rest. If I have enjoyed the experience I always nick something. I have Milly’s wig from Miss You Already. Five films that shaped me: Harold and Maude There is such freedom in this film. The freedom to be whomever you wish to be and love whomever you are compelled to love. It’s pretty much my favourite film. It embraces life, death and everything in between. Very much my cup of Scorpionic tea.
The Wizard of Oz It’s the first film I ever attempted to watch. It was on TV when I was three. I stayed up late, waited and waited but fell asleep before it turned to colour. I have seen it countless times since. It’s about dreams and joy and family and home. All wonderful.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
This film is ultimately about embracing the good, the bad and the ugly as part of the whole experience of existing. Aah, life!
Breaking the Waves
I felt like an ocean broke on my head, such was the profound effect of this movie. I watched it in London in the cinema one night when it came out and didn’t sleep the entire night. I wandered the streets in a daze before curling up in my hotel room. I haven’t watched it since. Once was enough. But it has stayed with me. So amazing. I would love to work with Lars von Trier.
Annie Hall
This was the first real woman I saw on screen. A real, complex, funny, emotional, idiosyncratic, unusual female on screen. Hallelujah! LS