From roles in high profile fare like the Die Hard franchise to indie gems that include Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Smashed, Mary Elizabeth Winstead has established herself as an eclectic onscreen talent. Her latest turn as Michelle in 10 Cloverfield Lane showcases her range. Not only is the role a largely physical one, it also calls for the portrayal of a vast array of emotions. Michelle is a character who’s haunted by her past and has been repeatedly hindered by fear. In the film, the actress stars as a woman who wakes up in an underground bunker and at the mercy of a menacing survivalist (John Goodman). She is told that the world as she knows it has ended and her confinement is for her own safety.
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, 10 Cloverfield Lane is unlike anything that’s debuted in recent years. Though not a direct sequel to 2008’s Cloverfield, it takes place in the same realm as the much-loved thriller and serves up similarly exciting twists and turns. Few knew of the film’s existence until the trailer debuted earlier this year and caused a stir among those eager to learn more about the mysterious project.
During my video interview with Winstead, the actress discussed why she felt at ease with Trachtenberg, the old fashioned excitement of finding out about a film through its trailer and the film’s overarching theme regarding fear.
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Mary Elizabeth Winstead:
- On playing a role that doesn’t exploit female sexuality.
- The appeal film trailers once had.
- Being a part of such a unique moviegoing experience.
- The role she was most fearful of taking on during her impressive career.
