“I’ve had to wash them a couple of times…
But the film didn’t hit because it twisted adark realityinto an easily digestible package.
She’s controlling fate, butshe’s at its mercy, too.
Focus Features
Most revealing, however, is Fennell’s insistence on incriminating women as well.
“That’s what I love about the film, is there are no villains or heroes.
Let’s look at this thing we’ve all been living in for so long, without question.”
Merie Weismiller Wallace/Focus Features
Beyond its timely themes, much of the film’s appeal rests in Mulligan’s performance.
“It’s feminist because [Cassie is] real,” she continues.
“She’s not perfect, she’s not particularly even likable, but she feels honest.”
For Mulligan, truth has long been a tenet of her career.
“Not that itwouldn’t be good; it would be great,” she says.
“But I wouldn’t be.”
Lots of projects became possible:Never Let Me Go,Suffragette…
I never would’ve been in that position withoutAn Education.”
It’s all brought her to this moment, to her second Oscar nomination more than a decade later.
“I wish we could’ve had a premiere,” Mulligan says.
(A pandemic will complicate matters.)
But obviously everyone wants to wear a dress."
With luck, she’ll find one that matches taupe.
