Bewitching remake
Lead actress in ’77 cult classic takes supporting role in new film
The remake of 1977’s “Suspiria” by Luca Guadagnino hits theaters today. And for Jessica Harper, it was a little bit like coming home.
Harper starred as Susie Bannion in the 1977 cult film, a role that Dakota Johnson has in the remake.
In the new film, she plays Anke.
“It was great being back in this world again,” Harper says. “I did the film because of Luca. He’s a genius, and I wanted to see what he would do with the film. Forty years later, and the original has this amazing fan base. It was a pleasure to be back for this film.”
“Suspiria” tells the story of young American dancer Susie Bannion as she arrives in 1970s Berlin to audition for the worldrenowned Helena Markos Dance Company, stunning the troupe’s famed choreographer, Madame Blanc, with her raw talent.
When she vaults to the role of lead dancer, Olga, the previous lead, breaks down and accuses the company’s female directors of being witches. As rehearsals intensify for the final performance of the company’s signature piece, Bannion and Madame Blanc grow strangely close, suggesting that her purpose in the company goes beyond merely dancing.
Meanwhile, an inquisitive psychotherapist trying to uncover the company’s dark secrets enlists the help of another dancer, who probes the depths of the studio’s hidden underground chambers, where horrific discoveries await.
“I love doing this role of Anke, because of the love story of her and her husband,” Harper says. “It is a relationship that was sadly interrupted very early on. I felt it was a very touching story. It provided a lovely emotional chord where all the witchcraft was spinning. It the move, it made it feel a little more grounded.”
As for Johnson taking up the role that made Harper famous, she says it was “in good hands.”
“Dakota did a great job,” she says. “Luca expanded the role greatly from the original. I’m happy that I wasn’t the one who carried all the weight of the film this time around. It’s been quite amazing.”
Harper has built a wonderful career in film, and more recently, she’s invested in a new project — a podcast called “Winnetka.”
The 10-episode memoir tells her family’s story.
“I love sound, and I love the medium,” she says. “It took me about three years to develop, and it’s a memoir where you hear the actual characters speak for themselves. I have my family members all telling their stories. It’s a unique take within a podcast.”