Exclusive Interview: Kristin Scott Thomas on Directorial Debut and Upcoming Stage Revival
In an exclusive conversation, Kristin Scott Thomas shares her excitement about directing My Mother’s Wedding, featuring Scarlett Johansson as a Royal Navy captain. This massive warship serves as a powerful symbol of women thriving in traditionally male-dominated fields. With a knowing smile, Scott Thomas reflects, "I believe my naval connections played a significant role in this."
The talented actress, known for her iconic roles in Slow Horses and Four Weddings and a Funeral, also reveals her return to the stage in a West End revival of The Cherry Orchard. Unlike Johansson’s strong character in her film, Scott Thomas will portray a woman who struggles in a man’s world.
A Modern Take on Chekhov
My Mother’s Wedding draws inspiration from Chekhov’s Three Sisters, showcasing the complex relationships between three siblings—portrayed by Johansson, Sienna Miller, and Emily Beecham. The film, which Scott Thomas co-wrote with her husband, esteemed journalist John Micklethwait, echoes the emotional depth and humor found in Chekhov’s work. Scott Thomas previously played Masha in a memorable production of Three Sisters in 2003.
The film follows the daughters of Diana (played by Scott Thomas) as they gather for their mother’s third wedding. Each sister grapples with their own life challenges, with Johansson’s character, Katherine, commanding an aircraft carrier, while Miller and Beecham portray a frivolous movie star and an NHS nurse, respectively. The narrative beautifully captures their shared experiences and the complex memories of their late fathers, both Royal Navy pilots.
A Unique Visual Experience
Filmed largely in Hampshire, My Mother’s Wedding features stunning stop-motion hand-painted glass animations by Iranian animator Reza Rishi, adding a unique visual layer that contrasts with the vibrant live-action scenes.
Scott Thomas, who grew up in a naval family, infuses her own experiences with loss into the screenplay. "Many people with sisters will relate," she notes, emphasizing the film’s exploration of sibling dynamics—both the love and the tension. She affectionately refers to her cast as "my girls," highlighting the bond they created while filming.
Navigating Directorial Challenges
Stepping behind the camera for the first time, Scott Thomas established clear boundaries on set, ensuring that the environment was conducive for both acting and directing. "No running lunches," she insists, recalling how distracting it can be to see crew members eating during intense scenes. "I needed time to regroup and communicate with my team."
Initially, she found it challenging to assert her authority as a director, often seeking permission instead of taking charge. "It took me a while to realize that I was in control," she admits. With a skilled cast and crew, including seasoned actors like Johansson, Miller, and Beecham, Scott Thomas quickly adapted to her new role.
A Powerful Symbol: The Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier
One of the standout features of My Mother’s Wedding is the real-life Royal Navy aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, featured prominently in the film. Scott Thomas credits her producer, Finola Dwyer, for securing this impressive backdrop, which adds authenticity to Johansson’s character’s formidable role. "It was a remarkable experience to film with the actual crew," she recalls.
Themes of Empowerment and Growth
The film’s title, once North Star, was changed to My Mother’s Wedding, leading to some light-hearted comments from Scott Thomas’s own mother, who wondered if it was about her. Tragically, her mother passed away before the film’s completion, but Scott Thomas cherishes the memories they shared during production.
A pivotal theme in the film is encapsulated in the line, “I raised you to be women, not just daughters.” This resonated deeply with Scott Thomas, who reflects on the challenges of growing up with a powerful parental figure. She believes many can relate to the pressures of living up to a parent’s legacy.
Future Projects and Returning to the Stage
Looking ahead, Scott Thomas is gearing up for the West End revival of The Cherry Orchard, where she will portray Lyubov Ranevskaya. The production will be directed by Ian Rickson, who previously collaborated with her on The Seagull. Although specific dates and venues are yet to be announced, rehearsals are expected to start around Easter, with hopes of a summer opening in London.
In the interim, Scott Thomas is also set to film Camembert, a French comedy centered around family dynamics and inheritance.
Continuing Her Journey in Television
Scott Thomas is currently involved in the fifth season of Apple TV+’s Slow Horses, where she portrays the cunning Diana Taverner. She appreciates the unique challenges of long-form television and enjoys collaborating with her talented co-stars, including Gary Oldman.
As she navigates her diverse roles in film and theater, Scott Thomas reflects on her journey with grace and humor, excited about the stories yet to be told.
For more insights into Kristin Scott Thomas’s career and upcoming projects, stay tuned!
