Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence has navigated various press tours throughout her career, from blockbuster franchises like The Hunger Games to critically acclaimed films such as Silver Linings Playbook. However, promoting her latest project, Die My Love, directed by Lynne Ramsay, has presented unique challenges. This gripping and intense drama, adapted from Ariana Harwicz’s novel, follows a new mother whose mental health deteriorates amid the isolation of Montana, showcasing one of Lawrence’s most courageous performances to date.
Since the film's production over a year ago, Lawrence's relationship with the material has grown deeper, reflecting an intense immediacy. After giving birth to her first child in 2022 and being pregnant with her second during filming, she faced postpartum depression while also serving as a producer on the project. “That was a ride,” Lawrence recalls, emphasizing the unique complexity of her situation.
Lawrence describes the experience of promoting Die My Love as “very personal and weird” due to the film's profound themes. The film premiered at Cannes Film Festival in May, where it garnered attention and was acquired by Mubi for an impressive $24 million. It is finally set to hit U.S. theaters this weekend. As the awards season approaches, Lawrence is in the running for her fifth Oscar nomination, marking her first in a decade, making this film a significant milestone in her career.
When discussing her collaboration with Ramsay, Lawrence expresses admiration for her creative approach. “She has such a singular, particular vision,” she notes, highlighting the rawness of her work. Contrary to her expectations of a controlling director, Lawrence found Ramsay emotionally led, engaging in lengthy discussions about their characters before filming. “The house itself kind of starts to feel like another character,” she explains, emphasizing Ramsay's talent for world-building.
Lawrence also reveals fascinating details about the film's production process, including the use of rare Kodak 35mm Ektachrome film stock. “We might’ve used the last of it,” she laughs. This choice, along with cinematographer Seamus McGarvey's innovative techniques, contributed to the film's distinct visual style, reminiscent of renowned photographer William Eggleston.
Reflecting on her co-star, Robert Pattinson, who plays her husband in the film, Lawrence expresses her delight in his laid-back and humorous demeanor. Their ability to share comfortable silences was essential during the demanding shoot, where they often worked 15-hour days.
As both a producer and an actress, Lawrence shares insights into the editing process following the Cannes premiere. She was not surprised by Ramsay's decision to continue refining the film, given the quick turnaround for the festival. “It was a huge testament to her,” Lawrence remarks on the film's readiness for its Cannes debut.
Having seen Die My Love nearly ten times, Lawrence reflects on her evolving relationship with watching herself on screen. “I can be objective,” she states, acknowledging the natural tendency to critique her appearance but emphasizing the importance of understanding the character she portrayed.
Lawrence candidly discusses her emotional journey in relation to the film's themes, particularly her experiences with postpartum depression. She notes a profound revelation about the character's struggles: “It has nothing to do with how much you love your baby. In fact, it’s because of how much you love your baby.” This realization adds layers to her understanding of the character's journey.
As Lawrence promotes the film, she finds the experience both rewarding and daunting. “It feels very personal and weird,” she admits, likening it to sharing her diary with the world. Despite the challenges, she is eager for audiences to experience Die My Love.
Looking ahead, Lawrence expresses hope for the film industry, stating, “True artists cannot be replaced.” While she acknowledges the challenges posed by streaming services, she believes in the enduring power of shared cinematic experiences in theaters.
As for future projects, while she enjoys the camaraderie of franchise films, Lawrence prioritizes flexibility in her schedule, especially now as a mother of two young children.
In conclusion, Jennifer Lawrence emerges as a nuanced voice in contemporary cinema through her work in Die My Love. The film offers audiences a raw and intimate look at motherhood and mental health, amplified by Lawrence’s powerful performance and Ramsay's visionary direction.
