Recently I got to speak with the lovely and talented Sara Lindsey. Sara appears in two high profile movies that are coming soon, “Jack Reacher” with Tom Cruise and “Promised Land” with Matt Damon. I want to thank her for taking the time to speak with us.
Photos by Sierra Prescott?
What can you tell us about your character in Promised Land and what attracted you to the part?
Well the film is set in the town of McKinley, Pennsylvania and opens with Matt and Frances’ characters who have come to lease land for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. I play a character named Claire Allen who is a single mom with a 10 year old son. I was immediately attracted to the role after reading the script; Matt and John did such an amazing job of creating complex, interesting characters with very full lives, and the details they invented add to the film tremendously.
What sort of research did you do for the role and how did it compare and contrast with past roles?
Every character or movie requires something different in terms of preparation and research. I tried to really familiarize myself with the process of fracking so I could understand exactly what happens from a technical standpoint. I spent as much time as I could with Max, who plays my son in the film, so that we could have an authentic relationship. He’s a really amazing kid.
What were some of the more memorable moments on set and how was working with Tom on Jack Reacher?
I was on set for one of the bigger group scenes when Hal and Matt’s characters meet and have the first initial debate. The scene was something like twelve pages long with a lot of scientific jargon and facts, and the two of them played the entire scene over and over without ever stopping or dropping a line. It was a complete master class in acting. I had a similar experience working with Tom…He is such a pro and works with this incredible drive and focus that was amazing to see.
Who would be your ultimate cast and director to work with and in why type of project?
I’m a huge fan of Wes Anderson and love the worlds he creates in his films. It’s hard to find complex, interesting and smart roles for women, so I’m always on the look out for those. And I would love to work with Kate Winslet or Marion Cotillard one day – they’re awesome.
What do you like to do in your free time and which movies are on your to watch list?
I love to watch movies in my free time and have a long list that I’m working through. Speaking of Marion, I’m really looking forward to seeing Rust and Bone. When I’m not working, I get to hang out with my dog, practice singing, play music, do yoga, go for runs, and spend time with my friends and family.
What do you look for from a director to help you give your best performance?
When a director has a very clear vision, it’s always easier and more fun for me to help make that happen through my performance. It’s harder when the director doesn’t know exactly what he or she wants. Also the way in which they communicate that vision – the specific words that are used – have a big effect on actors and it’s lovely to work with directors who understand that.
When you consider a script or a potential TV or film project, what elements tend to draw you in and make you want to work on that film?
I always try to identify a particular question or set of questions that a film or show is asking, and if those questions seem interesting and puzzling to me, it’s a good sign. I also think a lot about the particular character and how she fits into the story and the world, and whether or not that world feels authentic.
What can you tell us about your upcoming projects?
I’m collaborating with friends on a few projects in the next year, which is very exciting. I’m also looking forward to Promised Land and Jack Reacher coming out in theaters!
Final question, what is the one thing about acting that most people are shocked when you tell them?
My family is always shocked when I tell them how long everything takes. But I think the most shocking thing about filmmaking is also the simplest thing: it’s all pretend!
