Emerging with renewed vividness are fresh insights into David Lowery's captivating film, Mother Mary, thanks to a revealing Vogue cover story spotlighting its Oscar-adorned lead, Anne Hathaway. The A24 production casts Hathaway in the titular role, portraying a pop icon who effortlessly blends the essence of Lady Gaga with Taylor Swift. This enigmatic figure, fleeing from the grueling pace of a tour, embarks on a quest to reconnect with an old acquaintance and renowned fashion designer (played by Michaela Coel), who played a pivotal role in shaping her public identity.
Drawing from interviews woven into Vogue writer Maya Singer's narrative, Mother Mary emerges as an undertaking fraught with challenges for all involved, or as Singer aptly describes it, an "intense" endeavor culminating in a "very weird movie." The film's narrative largely revolves around the creation of a dazzling dress, with the majority of the action unfolding in a 13th-century barn, where, according to Singer, those involved may have teetered on the brink of "temporary, mild insanity." The screenplay is punctuated by "a couple of demented flashbacks" and scenes where Hathaway pushes her boundaries to their very limits.
Hathaway, elegantly styled by Sarah Burton in Givenchy, shared her initial impression upon reading the script: "What immediately struck me was that Mother Mary couldn't be 'performed.' If I landed the part, I'd have to morph into raw material for David to sculpt." Lowery compared his directorial journey to helming Apocalypse Now, specifically highlighting a "pivotal sequence" near the climax. He recounted a moment when Hathaway, on the verge of emotional exhaustion, apologized, fearing her output might cause offense. Coel, with compassion brimming in her eyes, reassured her with a heartfelt, "I love you, I trust you." This emotional rollercoaster lasted approximately a week during the filming of that pivotal scene.
Coel hailed Hathaway's "courageous" performance during a grueling dance sequence shot in the barn. "The physical prowess she had to muster for this role—not just in front of the camera but also amidst the crew, producers, and all—made that day particularly daunting. A tiny demon perched on her shoulder, unnoticed until the first take. Yet, she persevered, take after grueling take, demanding immense strength and resilience," Coel emphasized.
Choreographer Dani Vitale recounted how the crew, comprising burly German men, was moved to tears upon Hathaway's completion of the sequence. "It was a day like no other—everyone was challenged, yet it forged unbreakable bonds. It felt as though David had inadvertently founded a cult," Vitale reminisced.
Shot in and around Cologne, Germany, Mother Mary boasts an eclectic soundtrack curated by superstars Jack Antonoff and Charli XCX, and features a supporting cast that includes Coel, FKA twigs, Hunter Schafer, and Kaia Gerber. Hathaway embarked on this journey before the songs were fully realized, meaning she had no predefined sound to embody as the pop star.
"I had to embrace the novice within," Hathaway confided to Vogue, describing this experience as the most arduous role of her career. "The humility of acknowledging daily ineptitude, understanding that imperfection is not synonymous with failure. Reaching that mindset demanded letting go of deeply ingrained notions. It was welcoming yet arduous, akin to other transformative experiences," she reflected.
Ultimately, Hathaway expressed gratitude for this chaotic journey. "It was bewildering," she added. "I had to learn... had I possessed the music a year prior, I would have meticulously internalized every note, shaping a precise process. Instead, I was devoid of control. In hindsight, I'm thankful for that constraint."
In an email exchange with Vogue, Charli XCX revealed that she and Antonoff drew inspiration from film footage to craft their compositions. "Anne's movements were striking—graphic, jerky, and bold, imbued with an eerie magic. It felt volatile and captivating, prompting Jack and me to delve deep into that ethos," she shared.
The Vogue piece also features heartfelt commendations from Hathaway's Oscar-nominated friend, Bradley Cooper. "Witnessing how she treats everyone—with unwavering kindness—during the pandemic was enlightening. She's incredibly present, grounded, and astoundingly intelligent," Cooper attested, having bonded closely with Hathaway and her husband, Adam Shulman, during that time.
