Insights from the Press Conference of Lynne Ramsay’s Die, My Love
The cast of Die, My Love, directed by Lynne Ramsay, shared their thoughts on how parenthood has reshaped their personal and professional lives during a press conference held on Sunday. Their conversation came shortly after the film’s premiere at Palais, where they received a hearty six-minute standing ovation.
Following the premiere, the filmmakers and talents celebrated at an afterparty hosted by The Hollywood Reporter at the renowned Cannes venue, Salama.
A Unique Adaptation
Die, My Love is an adaptation of Ariana Harwicz’s novel released in 2017, with a notable shift in setting from France to Montana. This ambitious project was co-written and directed by Scot Ramsay and features a powerful performance from Jennifer Lawrence, who portrays Grace, a new mother struggling with postpartum depression and experiencing psychotic episodes throughout the two-hour narrative.
The supporting cast includes Robert Pattinson as her husband Jackson, with Sissy Spacek and Nick Nolte as his parents, along with Oscar nominee Lakeith Stanfield in a significant role.
Emotional Reflections on Motherhood
Jennifer Lawrence, now a mother of two, conveyed her emotional experience in collaborating with Ramsay on this profound subject. “It was incredibly challenging to separate my own experiences from Grace’s,” she reflected. “Extreme anxiety and depression can feel isolating, making you feel like an alien. This deeply impacted me.” She expressed her long-standing desire to work with Ramsay since being inspired by her earlier film, Ratcatcher (1999), and was thrilled that she took a chance on this project.
Pattinson echoed his admiration for Ramsay, stating, “I didn’t find anything particularly hard. It’s a unique atmosphere on set that makes it feel less about ‘hard or easy’ and more about trust.” He emphasized the importance of trust in the creative process.
The Transformative Power of Parenthood
When asked how their experiences as parents have influenced their careers, Lawrence described parenthood as transformative: “Having children changes everything. It’s life-altering, often brutal yet incredible,” she remarked. She elaborated, “I didn’t realize I could feel this way. My children have opened my emotional world and changed my creative perspective deeply. If you want to be an actor, I highly recommend having kids,” she added with humor.
Pattinson chimed in, stating, “In unexpected ways, being a parent has given me an incredible source of energy and inspiration. It’s hard for a guy to articulate it perfectly, but ever since she was born, my approach to work has been rejuvenated. It feels like I’ve become a more complete person.”
Creative Exploration of Postpartum Themes
Ramsay discussed her approach to adapting Harwicz’s novel, stating, “While the subject matter centers on postpartum experiences, I wanted to explore themes of dreams and fantasies, as well as passion and sexuality. I thought, ‘I can attempt this,’ and viewed it through the lens of a love story, which guided my creative process.”
Critical Reception
According to David Rooney, chief film critic for THR, the film presents a “jarring character study,” with moments that might feel like a “bit of a trudge.” He acknowledged the challenges of embracing Ramsay’s vision while appreciating its visually striking qualities that unify the complex narrative.
For more insights on Die, My Love, you can read the full article on The Hollywood Reporter.