An Interview With Actress Gabriella Wright
Gabriella Wright has a string of credits to her name including ‘Queen Claude of France’ in the series The Tudors, ‘Esrin Fortuna’ in Arrow and Viola in the horror movie The Perfect Husband. Gabriella was kind enough to take time out of her hectic schedule to catch up with us and talk about ‘The Perfect Husband’ as well as many other things…
Hi Gabriella, thanks for taking the time out to chat with us today.
What inspired you to get into acting?
I got inspired naturally! When I was 12 years old I was already directing shows with my family members and twice a year we would put them on; because I knew exactly what I wanted I would always act in a key role, it just felt natural. As time passed I decided I wanted to be a film director and my mother just said “Why don’t you try out acting…?” I gave it a thought and took an audition to get into acting school when I was 18. I got accepted and it took its own course. I still have directing as part of my plan though!
That’s great. It is good to know that your family had such an impact on you becoming an actor.
What was it like working on the movie ‘The Perfect Husband’?
It was a hard shoot. The hours were long and it was cold. We had to complete long night shoots. Making indie movies isn’t easy so either you put your whole heart into it or not at all. And this was one of those. The director, Lucas (Pavetto), really knew what he wanted and that encouraged us as artists. He was always precise so despite the technical difficulties of the shoot, I was creatively fulfilled and driven.
After watching the film I definitely can say those long shoots paid off.
How did you approach your characters? Did you have to do any preparations for your role in the movie?
I actually prepared a lot for this character. I don’t generally like violence so initially I didn’t want to do this project. However the script and the twist was so good that my acting coach almost forced me to do this. She was right! We got to prepare the character through dream work and went in to discover the inner life of this almost bi-polar, traumatized Viola. It was an intense process but I learned a lot. The character taught me a lot.
You did a great job with Viola in the movie, do you like to watch horror movies when you’re at home?
I am very scared of horror. I think it’s because I have too much imagination and as soon I hear a sound I would associate that with an intruder. I like to live a peaceful life and keep the drama on-screen. I don’t mind playing and acting in them because I like the process, especially if the script is good. But watching horror is very hard for me. I have nightmares!
We would never have thought that watching ‘The Perfect Husband’, as it is a very intense movie.
We have seen you have an extensive back catalog of work in both TV, short film and movies; what do you prefer to work on and why?
I prefer film just because it’s a long process and the relationship with the director can be more substantial. In film you don’t have the same deadlines as for TV so you can have more preparation for your characters, that’s just heaven for an actor. I love to be able to learn new dialects, accents and skills for roles. That happens more for me in the area of film.
Do you like to watch your own work once the film or show is complete?
Sometimes. I still find it difficult to watch ‘The Perfect Husband’ because it’s so intense. I think I have only watched it twice with a room full of people.
We can understand that, especially if you don’t like horrors. It is a very intense film. It must be a weird experience seeing yourself on-screen in those situations.
Are there any actors or directors that you would like to work with?
Many, I love Spanish – Latino directors. I think they portray a colorful relationship to life events. For example I have been following closely director Alejandro González Iñárritu, ‘Amores Perros’ and ’21 Grams’ were both amazing. His later work is beyond incredible too.
I am pretty old school when it comes to actors I’d like to work with. Al Pacino has always been an inspiration to me. His stage work is incredible.
Fantastic choices, we couldn’t agree with you more about Alejandro González Iñárritu, we loved ‘Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)’ and ‘The Revenant’.
Do you have anyone you look up to?
I look up to the great artists of the past. I look up to people who are free and have managed to maintain integrity in their art form. Al Pacino. Jessica Lang. Meryl Streep. Elia Kazan as a director.
Have you got any ambitions or goals with your acting career?
Yes to act till I am 80! Just to learn more and stay authentic to the magic. After all, we act for the audience. We create magic … To keep it alive!
Great answer.
Finally, What plans do you have next?
I have a bunch of films in pre-production right now. Dramas and romances in different languages and countries. I have an action film being released next year called ‘Security’ with Antonio Banderas and Ben Kingsley.
Wow! That’s brilliant, you are busy! Thank you for chatting with us Gabriella, it has been fantastic. We wish you luck with your upcoming projects and look forward to seeing you in ‘Security’.
