Olivia Wilde in the spotlight with ‘Don’t Worry Darling’
“Don’t Worry Darling” has been in the spotlight since the beginning. And this was long before Harry Styles got involved.
It was a film everyone wanted to make – some 18 studios and streaming services were courting Wilde for the chance to partner with her on her sophomore feature as a director: A mid-century psychological thriller about a housewife, Alice (Florence Pugh), who starts to question her picture-perfect life and the mysterious company that her husband Jack (Styles) works for.
But it hasn’t stopped making headlines in two years, from Shia LaBeouf’s abrupt departure (he was replaced by Styles) to the paparazzi-stoked intrigue around Wilde and Styles’ off-camera relationship. Then there was the bizarre moment earlier this year when Wilde was served custody papers, from ex Jason Sudeikis with whom she shares two children, in the middle of a presentation to thousands of exhibitors in Las Vegas.
Also, LaBeouf, who is entertaining but once you heading to court next year crawl inside, it is actually on abuse allegations from hi much more complex and ex, FKA twigs, decided to potentially really interesting contest the two-year-old and challenging. I also narrative that he’d been just really understood that fired. He gave the entertainment this would be an opportunity trade Variety emails for an actress to really and texts to prove his case flex. It was a heroine I that he quit. It’s resulted in wanted to see on screen. I buzz you can’t buy, but also wanted to create a character incessant tabloid and TikTok with an actress that gossip – all for a film would represent the kind that isn’t even out yet. of woman that I feel like
But soon the conversation our society needs. will go back to the film AP: You had originally itself: “Don’t Worry Darling” intended to play the part will have a glamorous of Alice. Were you glad debut at the Venice International about that decision to step Film Festival back and take a supporting before opening in theaters role? nationwide on Sept. 23. Wilde: Oh yeah. Besides, Wilde doesn’t care There’s no part of me that what gets people into the would want it any other theater – as long as they go. way. I think what Florence
Wilde spoke to The Associated did with this role is singularly Press recently about brilliant. This character her vision, her disagreement is a heroine for the with the ratings board ages. And she, as an actress, and why Alice is the heroine is this rare combination we need right now. Remarks of dramatically skillful, have been edited for comedically brilliant clarity and brevity. and an action hero who
AP: What were some of can run like Tom Cruise. the big ideas you wanted to Like what actress can do explore? stunts and pull off these
Wilde: I wanted to make incredible emotional acrobatics what (screenwriter) Katie and do it so effortlessly (Silberman) and I always in an accent that’s describe as a Trojan Horse not even theirs? Like, movie: Something that on come on. It’s like juggling the outside is beautiful and upside down on the wing of an airplane.
AP: You’ve spoken about some of your stylistic influences, from the photography of Slim Aarons to the erotic thrillers of Adrian Lyne. What were some other touchstones?
Wilde: I am a big fan of the iconography of the 1950s and a lot of the art, architecture, cars, music. This was an opportunity to just really play in that world. The architectural influence of (Richard) Neutra is all over the film. (Cinematographer) Matty Libatique and I were really inspired by Alex Prager and her photography and the idea of creating anxiety through framing and this artificial world that would be incredibly alluring until you look very closely.
And I always make endless playlists and watch lists and reading lists. It was a really funny assortment of material. People were like, what is this movie? You want me to watch “Requiem for a Dream” and “The Truman Show” and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” and you want me to read “The Feminine Mystique,” but also Jordan Peterson?
AP: “Booksmart” dealt with female sexuality in a very frank way and “Don’t Worry Darling” is already provoking conversations around some of the sex acts shown in the trailer. Was that a fight to even include that?
Wilde: Oh, yeah. There’s a lot that had to be taken out of the trailer. The MPA came down hard on me and the trailer at the last second and I had to cut some shots, which I was upset about because I thought they it took it up another notch. But of course we still live in a really puritanical society. I do think the lack of eroticism in American film is kind of new. Then when it comes to female pleasure, it’s something that we just don’t see very often unless you’re talking about queer cinema. You know, it’s interesting because in a lot of queer films, the female characters are allowed to have more pleasure. Audiences aren’t as puritanical as corporations think they are. And yet people get upset. I mean, people are upset with me already over this. I think it’s a testament to the film. We want to be provocative. The idea is not to make you feel safe.