Kate Winslet has revealed that fear held her back from directing until now, as she prepares for her debut with the upcoming film Goodbye June. The acclaimed actress, known for her role in Titanic, shared her thoughts in an interview with Empire magazine, stating that she had previously allowed her nerves to prevent her from stepping into the director’s chair.
“I just decided – ‘F*** it. I’m gonna do this’,” Winslet reflected on her decision to finally pursue directing. She acknowledged that while she often cited family commitments as reasons for not directing earlier, the underlying issue was her fear of the unknown.
Addressing Female Directors’ Challenges
Winslet, who also stars in Goodbye June, highlighted the additional scrutiny faced by female directors compared to their male counterparts. At 50 years old, she expressed her awareness of the challenges that actresses encounter when they transition to directing roles. “I do believe there is a good deal more scrutiny placed on: ‘Can they or can’t they do it? What are they going to come up with?'” she said.
The film tells the poignant story of siblings gathering to support their terminally ill mother, June, portrayed by Dame Helen Mirren. Winslet emphasized the importance of authenticity in her portrayal of June, stating, “It was very important not to set her up as the perfect, cosy parent.” She acknowledged that the journey through loss can be complex, often involving uncomfortable yet humorous moments.
A Demanding Directorial Experience
Winslet described the challenges she faced during production, particularly with Mirren available for just 16 days. She explained the need for high energy and commitment in what she referred to as “proper, fast-paced British filmmaking.” Reflecting on her experience, she noted, “I had no option but to just throw myself at it with as much energy as I could muster and just keep going.”
The process has left Winslet open to the possibility of future directing projects. She stated, “I’m not saying, ‘Oh, it all came naturally to me,’ because I don’t want anything to ever come naturally to me. That’s not who I am. But I’m relishing every single day.”
In a previous discussion on the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, Winslet expressed her feelings about potentially letting down other women by not pursuing directing sooner. She recounted how frequently colleagues would inquire, “Why aren’t you directing?” Her response was often to deflect the question, but she has since realized the importance of changing the culture around female directors. “The more I’m not doing it now, with the need to change the culture, the more I feel like I’m actually letting down other women by not doing it,” she admitted.
As Goodbye June approaches its release in December 2023, Winslet’s journey into directing serves as an inspiring testament to overcoming fear and embracing new challenges. Her candid reflections may resonate with many who face similar obstacles in their own careers.
