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Anne Hathaway Reveals How Beyonce's Voice Inspired Her 'Mother Mary' Role

Anne Hathaway credits Beyonce's 2024 track "American Requiem" as a key inspiration for developing her character's voice in the upcoming film 'Mother Mary'. She spent two years retraining her voice from a musical theatre style to a contemporary pop sound by studying Beyonce's phrasing and technique. Hathaway explained that listening to Beyonce helped her realize she could use a "sweet, still voice" for the role of pop singer Mary. The actress also reflected on her own vocal journey, contrasting her style with singers like Whitney Houston whom she admired growing up.

Key Points: Anne Hathaway: Beyonce Inspired 'Mother Mary' Voice

  • Studied Beyonce's "American Requiem"
  • Adopted a softer, still voice
  • Two years of vocal retraining
  • Shift from musical theatre to pop
2 min read

Anne Hathaway shares how Beyonce helped her for 'Mother Mary'

Anne Hathaway studied Beyonce's song "American Requiem" for two years to develop a softer, contemporary pop voice for her role in 'Mother Mary'.

"Her technique in that song is so mesmerising and astonishing - and real. - Anne Hathaway"

Los Angeles, April 17

Hollywood star Anne Hathaway, who is currently gearing up for the release of her upcoming film "The Devil Wears Prada", says she repeatedly listened to one Beyonce song to help her prepare for playing the titular role in the film, Mother Mary.

Hathaway listened to the 44-year-old singer-songwriter's 2024 track American Requiem repeatedly in preparation her role in the psychological drama-thriller, which follows the psychosexual affair between pop singer Mary and fashion designer Sam Anselm.

Studying Beyonce's voice made Hathaway realise she could use a softer voice for her character, reports feamelfirst.co.uk.

During a Q+A session at a listening event for the movie's soundtrack, Hathaway said: "Her technique in that song is so mesmerising and astonishing - and real."

"Just listening to her phraseology, her musicianship, understanding the history of her voice that had led her to be able to make that sound that is so still, that's so present, I studied that, and I appreciated that Beyoncé can do the runs," she added.

Studying the 35-time Grammy Award winner's "pop phrasing was a really big deal" for the actress.

Hathaway added: "I thought, OK, maybe there's something to be said about having a sweet, still voice. Maybe I can work with this."

The star originally learned to sing in a musical theatre style, and she spent two years retraining her voice in a more contemporary pop style for Mother Mary.

Speaking about her 72-year-old mom, actress Kate McCauley Hathaway, she said: "I'm more soft-spoken than she is, and so in my head. I've never really rated myself as a singer. When I was growing up, I was like, 'Whitney Houston, that's a real singer,' and I just can't do runs like that."

With Mother Mary, she added: "It was a completely new way of singing, and it baffled me for the longest time. It took about two years before I finally cracked it," she said of the pop star she built. "So much of it was just studying what other singers did and trying to figure out, frankly, why they sounded so cool."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Beyonce is a global icon for a reason. Her influence stretches from music to inspiring actors halfway across the world. "American Requiem" is a powerful track, good choice for getting into a character's headspace.
A
Aditya G
While I admire the hard work, I sometimes feel these behind-the-scenes stories are over-shared. The magic is in the final performance, not necessarily knowing it took two years to learn to sing differently. Just my two paise.
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Sarah B
The part about comparing herself to Whitney Houston is so relatable! We all have that one incredible artist we feel we can never measure up to. It's heartening to see even stars have those insecurities and work through them.
K
Karthik V
This is what separates good actors from great ones. The attention to detail - right down to the "pop phrasing" of a voice. Our Indian film industry also has many actors who go to such lengths for a role. The process is fascinating!
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Nisha Z
"The Devil Wears Prada" and now "Mother Mary" – Anne Hathaway always picks interesting roles. The plot sounds intense. Hope the soundtrack is as good as the preparation suggests! 🎶

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