Michel Franco was forewarned that Jessica Chastain would have a difficult attitude while filming ‘Memory’. Despite winning an Oscar for her performance in ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’, people had preconceived notions about her behavior on set. In an interview at TIFF, Franco shared how others expected Chastain to be a “nightmare” and a “diva”. However, he defended her, stating that she was the opposite of those perceptions.
According to Michel Franco, Chastain surprised everyone by showing up content, cheerful, and ready to work. He expressed his confusion over people’s fear of actors, emphasizing that approaching them with fear is the worst way to establish a connection. If one is filled with apprehension, their worst fears will likely become a reality.
In the movie ‘Memory’, Jessica Chastain takes on the role of Sylvia, a recovering alcoholic grappling with childhood trauma. Part of her commitment to the character involved appearing on screen without makeup and forgoing the luxury of a trailer on set.
Chastain acknowledged the assumptions people made about her demanding special treatment due to her recent success and attention. Some believed that winning an Oscar for ‘Tammy Faye’ would lead her to abandon ‘Memory’. However, she clarified that being pampered was never her motivation for pursuing acting.
For Jessica Chastain, being on set is about work and creativity, not isolation in a trailer. She highlighted that if she desired pampering, she would visit a spa instead. Her focus remained on the art of filmmaking and the opportunity to express her creativity.