Emma Stone discusses working with an intimacy coordinator and her anxiety as a superpower. Mark Ruffalo talks about his role in Poor Things. They reflect on their Oscars nominations and the evolution of filmmaking practices.
Emma Stone embraces her anxiety as a superpower, finding strength in vulnerability and presence in acting.
Intimacy coordinators play a vital role in creating a safe and supportive environment during intimate scenes on set.
Deep dives
Emma Stone's Background and Role in Poor Things
Emma Stone is nominated for an Oscar for her role in Poor Things as Bella, a character reanimated with the brain of an infant. Stone shared her journey into acting from a young age and her experiences growing up during the 90s in Phoenix, Arizona. Her involvement in the film reflects a departure from conventional roles, both as an actress and as a co-producer, showcasing her dedication to diverse and challenging performances.
Intimacy Coordination in Filming Scenes
Stone discussed the crucial role of intimacy coordinators on set, emphasizing their importance in creating a safe and comfortable environment during intimate scenes. Despite initial reservations, Stone found the coordinator provided emotional support, helping navigate the psychological impact of such scenes. The coordinator's expertise in managing the actors' emotional well-being and understanding the physiological effects of intense scenes was instrumental in enhancing the filming process.
Discussion on Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Stone opened up about her early experiences with anxiety and panic attacks, recounting a vivid memory of feeling a house fire despite no real danger. She delved into the separation anxiety she experienced as a child, revealing how therapy played a transformative role in her journey. Stone shared therapeutic techniques, such as externalizing anxiety through creative means, highlighting the importance of mental health support.
Acting as an Outlet for Anxiety
Stone reflected on how acting provided a unique outlet for managing anxiety, emphasizing the grounding effect of being present in performance. By immersing herself in characters and embracing vulnerability, Stone found acting to be a meditative practice that counteracted anxiety's focus on past or future concerns. She described how acting's demand for presence and emotional exploration transformed anxiety into a creative force, empowering individuals to channel intense emotions into productive endeavors.
Emma Stone has two Oscar nominations for Poor Things: One for best actress and one for best picture, as a producer. She spoke with Terry Gross about working with an intimacy coordinator and why she sees her anxiety as a superpower.
Mark Ruffalo plays a debauched cad opposite Emma Stone in the movie. The role was a big departure from his previous work playing real people, in dramas like Spotlight or Foxcatcher, or as the Incredible Hulk in the Marvel movies. The Oscar-nominated actor spoke with Sam Briger.
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