WithThe Beguilednow playing in limited release and expanding this weekend into more theaters, I recently sat down with writer-directorSofia Coppolafor an exclusive video interview. During our wide-ranging conversation she talked about why most of her movies take place in the past, why she wanted to remake the story (it was previously made in 1971 and starredClint Eastwood), what she learns from test screening, if she had a lot of deleted scenes, the most challenging part of filmingThe Beguiledin 26 days, the way she likes to work on set, and more. In addition, withLost in Translationbeing one of my favorite films, I was curious if she had a lot of extra material from that film on the cutting room floor so we also talked about that.
If you’re not familiar withThe Beguiled, the pic is based on theThomas Cullinannovel of the same name and starsNicole Kidmanas the headmistress of a seminary for young ladies in Civil War-era Virginia. The school’s seclusion is disrupted when a wounded soldier from the Union Army, played byColin Farrell, arrives and kicks off a yarn of “seduction and jealousy.” The film also starsKirsten Dunst,Elle Fanning,Angourie Rice, andOona Laurence. For more onThe Beguiledread Greg Ellwood’s review.
Check out what Sofia Coppola had to say in the player above and below is exactly what we talked about followed by the synopsis and some images.
Sofia Coppola:
Here’s the official synopsis forThe Beguiled:
“The Beguiled” is an atmospheric thriller from acclaimed writer/director Sofia Coppola. The story unfolds during the Civil War, at a Southern girls’ boarding school. Its sheltered young women take in an injured enemy soldier. As they provide refuge and tend to his wounds, the house is taken over with sexual tension and dangerous rivalries, and taboos are broken in an unexpected turn of events.
