Anne Hathaway, known for her captivating onscreen chemistry, has shared a troubling experience from her early career.
Despite her successful romantic portrayals in movies like The Princess Diaries and Love & Other Drugs, Hathaway faced challenges convincing directors of her compatibility with costars.
In an interview with V Magazine, she disclosed the discomfort she felt during chemistry tests that required physical intimacy even before filming began.
During the 2000s, Hathaway revealed that it was customary to conduct chemistry tests by having actors engage in kissing scenes with multiple potential costars.
This approach, she emphasized, was far from ideal.
Recalling an incident where she was informed about making out with ten different men for a role, she expressed her lack of excitement and discomfort.
Despite her unease, Hathaway felt pressured to comply due to fears of being labeled as ‘difficult’ in the industry.
Reflecting on the past norms, Hathaway acknowledged the shift in perspectives over time.
She recognized that such practices were a product of a different era in the film industry.
The actress highlighted the importance of evolving standards and learning from past experiences, stating, “It was just a very different time and now we know better.”
In her recent role as Soléne Marchand in The Idea of You, Hathaway took on the role of a single mother entangled in a passionate romance with a young musician portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine.
As a producer on the project, Hathaway was involved in the casting process and witnessed Galitzine’s audition, where he effortlessly embodied the character.
Rather than resorting to traditional chemistry tests, Hathaway and the production team opted for a more creative approach during auditions for the role of Hayes Campbell.
Candidates were tasked with choosing a song that their character would play to inspire dancing from Soléne.
Galitzine’s rendition of an Alabama Shakes track not only impressed Hathaway but also created a genuine connection between the actors.
The organic interaction during auditions reflected a departure from the contrived methods Hathaway had encountered earlier in her career.
The genuine chemistry between Hathaway and Galitzine paved the way for a compelling onscreen dynamic in The Idea of You.
Their shared enthusiasm and authenticity during the audition process set the tone for their characters’ relationship in the film.
Hathaway’s experience serves as a reminder of the evolution within the entertainment industry regarding casting practices and the importance of fostering genuine connections between actors.
As the industry continues to progress, stories like hers contribute to a broader conversation about creating a supportive and respectful environment for performers to thrive creatively.
