The Actress Fiona Shaw Talks About Her Career: From Andor to Harry Potter

In a recent interview, renowned actress Fiona Shaw opened up about her diverse career covering many years and iconic roles.

Andor's Powerful Speech

While talking about her memorable funeral speech in the Disney+ show Andor, Shaw revealed that the original script included stronger language. "I actually spoke a distinct term in my speech," she clarified, "while the screenwriter wanted the studio would accept it."

The actress described the unique filming conditions for that particular scene. "When I performed that speech, I was recorded with about 200 cameras for making a hologram. I was completely alone in a huge soundstage, with no director or production team there with me."

Classic Literature Projects

Speaking about the forthcoming adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, Shaw shared enthusiasm about finishing production. "We recently completed shooting it," she stated, "and what an actor rarely witness is the completed movie."

She praised filmmaker Georgia Oakley as "really lovely and very assured." The production took place in stunning houses throughout Britain, including locations in Dorset, Knebworth, and Devonshire.

Shaw also reflected on her previous role in the 1995 adaptation of Persuasion, portraying Mrs. Croft. "Our filmmaker had specific requirements: without hairpieces and just candle illumination," she remembered. "He genuinely wanted to recreate the feeling of early 19th century life."

Harry Potter Memories

In response to questions regarding her time in the Harry Potter franchise, Shaw spoke fondly about collaborating with the late Richard Griffiths. "He represented the most refined, creative and talented man," she shared. "He had the most beautiful penmanship and once sent me a note asking to lunch in elaborate gothic lettering."

The actress portrayed Griffiths as constantly speaking and sharing fascinating anecdotes with herself and the young actors on set. "He possessed fantastic general knowledge so we would listen captivated to his stories."

Theatrical Work

Talking about her New York stage role in the tragedy Medea, Shaw remembered how emotionally demanding the show was. "I encountered one of the ensemble actors three years later, who said: 'I'm not over it yet,'" she disclosed.

The production had an extensive run, beginning in Ireland, then traveling to England, followed by the American capital, the New York venue, and finally Broadway. "We became quite bonded as a cast," she added.

Approach to Acting

Regarding inquiries concerning her ability to transition between humor and seriousness, Shaw explained that "comedy connects us as it's about breaking conventions." Nevertheless, she confessed that "the night before a comedy, I always rest badly, because you have to catch the wave on the day."

Regarding her method for approaching different characters, Shaw stated: "I discover each one difficult. But even if the person you're playing is rather different from you, there is often something about them that you recognize."

Current Projects

Speaking about her recent performance in Hot Milk, Shaw described her character Rose as "a difficult person but you can't play anything from that viewpoint." The actress elaborated that Rose suffers from a nervous system condition that causes mobility issues.

"She is unaware of the impact she has on her daughter," Shaw observed. "All she knows is that she wants to improve. She's well-intentioned yet unaware. Maybe this represents what many people resemble."

Personal Reflections

Upon hearing that viewers consider her perfect for authority figure characters, Shaw answered with amusement: "Oh dear! I'm so not scary. But perhaps when filled with purpose, my features might seem threatening."

The actress continued: "I am in life occasionally rather disorganized so perhaps it's therapeutic for me to play very intelligent, methodical personalities. I try to depict fascinating individuals so I never judge them. Don't be scared – come and say hello!"

Love for Language

Talking about her celebrated interpretation of T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land, Shaw conveyed her deep connection with language and poetry. "I'm consistently devoted in the language," she stated, "since the indicators to everything are there in the choice of words."

She believes that "verse constitutes the refined version of language, or the moment that has been captured." When people boil down to what they truly want to say, it's often poetic."

Voice Recording

Concerning her praised spoken-word performances, specifically Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Shaw shared that "I enjoyed recording Alice in Wonderland because I incorporated all my acquaintances into it – personal companions and fellow performers."

She described how she voiced the caterpillar as inspired by Alan Rickman, and characterized the Red Queen as reminiscent of Geraldine McEwan. "It always seems a honor to record and perform literature," she concluded, "though it requires extended periods of work."

Working with Terrence Malick

Remembering her time working with renowned director Terrence Malick on Tree of Life, Shaw described him as distinctive. "All that the director says and does is different," she observed.

The actress recounted a particular memory of their initial encounter: "He left a message on my answering machine which said, 'I wonder, would you assist me with my film?' We went out for breakfast. He said, 'Well, what are you going to have?' I said, 'I'm going to have scrambled eggs.' He said, 'I think I'll have scrambled eggs too,' like it was the most exotic choice in the world."

Shaw also mentioned Malick's distinctive method of asking actors "Do you want to do this scene inside or outside?" – questions rarely posed by different directors. "He exclusively used natural light," she added, "meaning actors could perform inside by a window or exterior on location."

Regarding the lengthy post-production, Shaw disclosed that "He takes approximately three years to complete the movie. I had heard from the producer after two years that I was likely among the main characters, but when the film was released, I was nearly gone."

The actress finished by characterizing Malick's unique process: "He builds this enormous structure, and he removes most elements. He fundamentally dismantles films."