Actress Matilda Lutz reflects on her journey in the film industry, highlighting her selective approach to roles based on directorial vision rather than genre. Following her acclaimed performance in Coralie Fargeat’s 2017 thriller, 'Revenge,' Lutz is making a significant return to the action realm with MJ Bassett’s 'Red Sonja.' This transition underscores her commitment to projects that offer depth and a strong creative team, rather than simply pursuing action-oriented films. Her insights reveal a thoughtful consideration of character development and the collaborative process, particularly in navigating physically demanding roles and challenging conventional portrayals of female protagonists within the genre.
In 2017, Matilda Lutz garnered widespread recognition for her commanding portrayal in Coralie Fargeat’s acclaimed film, 'Revenge.' This French action-thriller, celebrated for its unique narrative approach, marked a pivotal moment in Lutz’s career, establishing her as a formidable presence. Despite expectations that she would predominantly pursue action roles, Lutz consciously chose a different path, prioritizing collaborations with visionary filmmakers. Her decision reflects a deeper artistic sensibility, valuing the creative integrity of a project above all else. This philosophy guided her choices in the subsequent years, leading to diverse roles that allowed her to explore different facets of storytelling.
Eight years after 'Revenge,' Lutz steps back into the action genre with 'Red Sonja,' directed by MJ Bassett. This new venture sees her embracing the world of sword and sorcery, a departure from her previous action film. Bassett, known for her work on 'Solomon Kane' and the television series 'Strike Back,' brings a wealth of experience to the project. Lutz notes the stark contrast in tone and genre between 'Red Sonja' and 'Revenge,' yet observes intriguing thematic overlaps. Both films feature protagonists who endure severe physical trauma and undergo transformative journeys, while provocatively addressing the male gaze. Lutz expresses profound gratitude for the supportive environments fostered by both Bassett and Fargeat, particularly during scenes that required her to be physically vulnerable, such as wearing revealing costumes in challenging conditions.
The role of Red Sonja presented unique challenges, particularly the requirement to wear a two-piece armor in front of a large cast and crew. Lutz candidly shares her initial apprehension about this aspect, describing how she felt exposed. However, her deep immersion in the character's emotional journey and the intricate choreography helped her overcome these feelings, allowing her to become comfortable with the costume. This experience highlights her dedication to her craft, demonstrating her ability to push past personal discomfort for the sake of the performance.
Lutz also delves into the rigorous training she undertook for 'Red Sonja,' which included horseback riding, sword fighting, and archery. With only a month to master these skills, she faced a steep learning curve, particularly with activities like galloping on horseback while simultaneously shooting arrows. Her commitment to rehearsals was crucial, allowing her to perform complex sequences without constant conscious thought. She recounts a particularly harrowing incident during horseback training where her horse attempted to bolt, emphasizing the inherent risks and the importance of trust and calm in managing such powerful animals. The unwavering support from the stunt team during this moment reinforced her confidence and enabled her to continue her training effectively.
Discussing the portrayal of the chainmail bikini in 'Red Sonja,' Lutz explains that this iteration challenges the traditional male gaze seen in previous adaptations and comics. While the costume remains iconic, its use in the new film serves a different purpose, with the character of Sonja owning her appearance and demonstrating immense strength despite wearing minimal armor. This interpretation aims to empower the character, showcasing her formidable abilities regardless of her attire. Lutz further expands on the concept of adapting iconic characters for contemporary audiences, stressing the importance of evolving perspectives while retaining the essence of the original. Her approach to 'Red Sonja' involved drawing inspiration from the comics while infusing her own understanding of the character, resulting in a fresh and relevant portrayal.
Furthermore, Lutz touches upon her role in 'Magpie,' another film that subtly comments on the male gaze. She expresses admiration for her co-star Daisy Ridley and the project's personal significance to Ridley. Lutz also reveals her own aspirations to direct and write, currently working on a project that aligns with her vision for compelling storytelling. Her character in 'Magpie,' Alicia, challenges audience perceptions, deliberately blurring the lines between genuine kindness and potential romantic interest, thereby adding layers of complexity to the narrative. This reflects Lutz’s preference for nuanced characters and narratives that provoke thought and discussion. The interview concludes with Lutz emphasizing her deep appreciation for characters like Red Sonja, who, despite personal loss, remain committed to helping others, underscoring the film's underlying themes of compassion and resilience. The film 'Red Sonja' is slated for release on August 13.