Marisa Abela opened up about her physical demands in her experience preparing for the role of Amy Winehouse in the Back To Black biopic.
Portraying the late singer-songwriter in Sam Taylor-Johnson's film, Marisa delves into the British singer's career and her turbulent marriage to Blake Fielder-Civil, portrayed by Jack O'Connell.
In her recent interview with Harper's Bazaar UK, Marisa opened up about the rigorous routine she adhered to to achieve the same slim physique as Amy.
Marisa expressed how embracing a sense of fragility enhanced her ability to embody her character.
"I had help to do it safely; I consulted a dietician and was being monitored. Feeling frailer and smaller helped - I hadn't understood, before, how much that affects your tempo."
Marisa Abela's Battle Portraying Amy Winehouse
Amy exuded a dynamic energy, moving swiftly and boldly with her expressive gestures and larger-than-life presence in the vibrant era of her debut album release in 2005.
"Once I started to change, I realized that you can't physically make those same movements. It's uncomfortable to sit. You're tired, you're hungry, you're more exposed."
Marisa elaborated on how she established a "bond" with the "Valerie" singer due to their shared upbringing in a Jewish home.
The 27-year-old English actress revealed that as she continued to learn about her, she discovered a strong bond with the "edgy Jewish woman from London" who exuded confidence and fearlessness.
In Amy's Footsteps
It reportedly reminded her of a time in her youth when she admired a woman proudly sporting a prominent Star of David nestled elegantly between her cleavage.
Marisa went on to say, "I understood what a Friday-night dinner would look like in her home, the humor in her family."
She gushed, I loved how effervescent she was, how huge a soul, how she just permeated any room she was in. But also, her relationship to her art form, and wanting to be good. That was the most important thing."
Upon encountering the character Amy Winehouse, Marisa was hesitant about accepting the role, feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task.
She initially grappled with doubts, unsure if she was ready to take on such a demanding role.
Acknowledging the controversies surrounding the biopic's portrayal of Amy, the "She Is Love" star is conscious of the concerns voiced by fans and friends of the late star who fear the exploitation of her struggles.
Unraveling Marisa Abela's Truth
Marisa firmly believes it is not her responsibility to dictate others' opinions about the singer.
She said, "In my role as an actor, I find it unwise to criticize a character and their choices."
"Of course - these are not just characters, they are real people. My job was to get into Amy's shoes and her soul, and understand why she did the things she did."
To conclude, Marisa revealed, "Amy loved her father very deeply. Nothing else mattered: I had to love him like Amy loved him. Amy loved Blake, so I would do nothing but that."
"If other people who watch the film decide she shouldn't have loved a certain person, or shouldn't have trusted someone, that's fine."
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