Cate Blanchett’s comedic turn: A dive into ‘Rumours’
A surprising shift for a dramatic powerhouse
Cate Blanchett, often hailed as one of the greatest dramatic actresses of her generation, has taken an unexpected turn into the realm of comedy. Known for her intense roles in films like “The Aviator” and “Blue Jasmine,” Blanchett’s latest project, ”Rumours,” directed by the audacious trio Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson, showcases her versatility and willingness to explore new genres.
The allure of absurdity
In a recent interview, Blanchett shared her thoughts on the inherent humor in life. ”I think in a strange way, everything is funny,” she mused. ”We are all absurd in some way, and we all think we’re the heroes and the tragedians of our own stories.” This perspective seems to have drawn her to the script of ”Rumours,” a satire that pokes fun at serious subjects.
Blanchett humorously recounted how her decision to join the project was influenced by her children’s holiday schedule. “Yes, I wanted to be in the forest at night for eight weeks in Budapest, and my kids were really happy about that!” she joked.
A unique blend of comedy and drama
“Rumours” offers Blanchett the chance to play a character reminiscent of Angela Merkel, alongside Roy Dupuis, who portrays a figure similar to Justin Trudeau. The film, which pays homage to “Dr. Strangelove,” is a black comedy that Blanchett found both hilarious and deeply distressing. “This was a laugh-out-loud script, but it was also confounding and bewildering,” she said.
The film’s success, according to Blanchett, hinges on the vision of its directors. “You can read the funniest script in the world, but then it’s who’s looking down the lens and who’s editing it,” she explained. The unique style of Maddin, Johnson, and Johnson creates a distinctive tone that defies easy categorization. “It’s a mashup of comedy, drama, and satire,” she added.
The G7 summit as a source of inspiration
“Rumours” follows a group of G7 leaders navigating an unnamed crisis. To prepare for their roles, Blanchett and Dupuis watched extensive footage of G7 summits. “It was pretty much for the body language to see how they shake hands, how they smile, how they deal with each other,” Dupuis explained. This research helped them create credible portrayals that enhance the film’s comedic impact.
Blanchett found the G7 footage as amusing as any comedy. “The way that they speak. You can see the coaching of how one has to behave, the codification of how a world leader behaves in public,” she observed. This ritualistic choreography inspired the film’s absurd tone. “Can we make something as funny as this?” she wondered.
The constant scrutiny of public figures
Blanchett also noted the constant surveillance that world leaders endure. “They’re constantly followed around by cameras. So they’re very aware that their body language and who they’re speaking to is going to be read as being something,” she said. This awareness of their external image is a key theme in “Rumours,” which explores what happens when these leaders are removed from their usual environment and stripped of their aides and mobile phones.
A film that defies expectations
“Rumours” made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6. The film’s unique blend of humor and drama, combined with the eclectic ensemble cast, makes it a standout project for Blanchett. “It was just an impossible thing to turn down,” she said.
For those eager to see Blanchett’s comedic turn, you can watch the trailer for Rumours and get more information about the film.
Final thoughts
Blanchett’s foray into comedy with “Rumours” is a testament to her versatility as an actress. Her ability to find humor in the absurdities of life, combined with the unique vision of the film’s directors, creates a compelling and entertaining experience. Whether you’re a fan of drama, comedy, or satire, “Rumours” offers something for everyone.