Jessica Chastain: I’m no supporting star
Jessica Chastain was furious when it was claimed she was playing “the wife” role in Zero Dark Thirty.
Jessica Chastain wanted to “punch somebody” when it was claimed she had a supporting role in Zero Dark Thirty.
The star portrays remorseless CIA agent Maya in the movie, which focuses on the hunt and eventual capture of Osama bin Laden. Jessica has impressed critics with her performance, and is hotly-tipped to take home a best actress Oscar next month. In the run up to the release of Zero Dark Thirty, Jessica became frustrated when her involvement in the drama was undermined.
“They were saying that Joel Edgerton was the lead in the movie and that I was his wife,” she fumed during an interview with British newspaper The Telegraph. “Because of course, Jessica must be the wife… Every time I read that, I wanted to punch somebody.”
When people learnt more about the film it became clear that 35-year-old Jessica was the real star.
Her commitment to the role has been applauded by the movie industry. Jessica admits working on Zero Dark Thirty, which contains several torture scenes, took its toll and made her “very depressed”.
She gives her all to every character she plays and this dedication has made her one of the brightest stars in Hollywood.
“When I act, I become a servant to it,” she explained. “I offer up my mind, my body and my soul.”
Jessica is currently busy with awards season appearances and she is also starring in a Broadway production of The Heiress. Once her theatre commitments have wrapped, she is planning to take some time away from acting.
“For so long I’ve wanted to shout about Zero Dark Thirty from the rooftops, but now I want to not talk for a while. I’d like to go somewhere and be silent. Go to Italy and take cooking classes or France and learn French. Either way – for a little while – I’d like to disappear,” she said.
