Jamie Lee Curtis did not understand "one second" of 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' script initially
Washington DC, January 27
Even though she delivered an Academy Award-winning performance in 2022's 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', actress Jamie Lee Curtis said she did not understand the script even a little bit when she first received it, according to People.
In a interview, the 67-year-old actress was asked if she understood the plot of the film when she got it.
"Of course not," Curtis replied. "Not one second of it. Did I understand that script? No."
The film follows a Chinese-American immigrant laundromat owner who, while being audited by the IRS, discovers that she must connect with parallel universe versions of herself. Despite the complex storyline, Curtis said she understood her character, IRS auditor Deirdre Beaubeirdre, very well--a role that also won her a BAFTA and Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, according to People.
"We all know Dierdre. She's a woman who's not loved. She's a woman who uses her power in her job to control people because she has no love in her life," Curtis explained, as quoted by People.
Upon winning the Academy Award, Curtis was seen in the audience mouthing the words "shut up" in disbelief. Recalling the moment to 60 Minutes, she said, "Totally, because that wasn't supposed to happen."
Curtis also spoke about her famous parents, the late actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, both of whom were nominated for Academy Awards during their careers but never won.
"I think about surpassing my parents, which I have, emotionally. I've surpassed my parents with sobriety," Curtis told 60 Minutes. "My mother was restricted by what the industry wanted from her and expected from her and would allow from her. My mother would have hated 2024 film The Last Showgirl because I showed what I really looked like. I have -- I don't want to say surpassed them, but I have freedom," according to People.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I didn't understand the movie either on first watch! Had to see it twice. But Curtis nailed her role. It's a lesson for all professionals - you don't need to understand the entire grand plan, just master your part in it.
Her comments about her mother and the industry's restrictions are profound. Our film industries everywhere put actors in boxes. Good for her for finding freedom and showing her real self. More power to such honesty.
Respectfully, while I admire her performance, I find it a bit surprising that an actor of her caliber would sign onto a project she didn't understand at all. Shouldn't there be more clarity before commitment? Just my two cents.
The film's core is about an immigrant mother's struggles, which many Indians abroad can connect with. Maybe the complex sci-fi wrapper confused her, but the heart of the story is universal. Her character was perfectly bitter and lonely.
"Shut up" moment was everything! 😂 That's the reaction of every Indian aunty when something too good happens. Her humility is endearing. Sometimes the best things come when you least expect them. What a journey!
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