Exclusive Interview with Elle Fanning: Finding Freedom on the Red Carpet

An Insightful Chat with Elle Fanning

Journalist Lena Basse from Los Angeles sat down with Elle Fanning to discuss turning dreams into reality, navigating high school dynamics, and the sacrifices along the way. They also delved into the film “Teen Spirit,” which mirrors these themes.

The Story of “Teen Spirit”

“Teen Spirit” is a captivating tale of a small-town girl who seizes an opportunity to compete in a prestigious singing competition. The film stars Hollywood’s rising star, Elle Fanning, in the lead role.

The Rise of Music Biopics

Recently, the silver screen has seen a surge in films based on the lives of real musicians, such as Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Elton John in “Rocketman.” Additionally, there are films featuring fictional characters that embody the spirit of artists, like Natalie Portman’s Celeste in “Vox Lux” and Lady Gaga’s Ally in “A Star Is Born.” These films tap into the universal power of music to unite people and evoke profound emotions.

Meet Violet: A Dreamer with a Voice

“Teen Spirit” introduces us to Violet, a young girl with dreams of success in a singing competition that could launch her musical career on a global stage. The film is directed by British newcomer Max Minghella, son of the acclaimed director Anthony Minghella, who won an Oscar for “The English Patient.” Max Minghella has already made a name for himself through his acting and screenwriting.

The Director’s Vision

Max Minghella wrote the screenplay for his directorial debut. He confessed that he has always been more intrigued by female characters, finding their motivations and emotions more complex and fascinating. Minghella had longed to tell a Cinderella story through the lens of music. The protagonist, Violet, is the daughter of a Polish immigrant living in a provincial English town, working on a farm by day and singing in a local pub by night, dreaming of a singing career.

Finding the Perfect Violet

Minghella’s search for the perfect actress to play Violet was a meticulous process. Since the character was the daughter of a Polish immigrant in England, he did not consider American actresses. However, Elle Fanning, who had long dreamed of singing on screen, expressed her willingness to master both a British accent and Polish pronunciation.

Elle Fanning: A Rising Star

At just 21 years old, Elle Fanning has already built an impressive film career. Introduced to the film industry by her older sister Dakota Fanning, Elle made her screen debut at the age of three. She has since played younger versions of characters portrayed by stars like Cate Blanchett in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and has taken on roles as their daughters in various films.

From School Dances to the Red Carpet

Elle Fanning sacrificed her high school prom for the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival. This was not her first film to premiere at the prestigious festival. In 2016, she presented Nicolas Winding Refn’s “The Neon Demon,” where she played the lead role of a stunning beauty. Fanning has since matched her older sister’s film count, with five films featuring her set to release this year alone.

A Dream Role: Singing on Screen

Despite her extensive filmography, which includes dramas, comedies, horror films, fairy tales, fantasies, and thrillers, Elle Fanning had always dreamed of a role where she could sing on stage. “Teen Spirit” finally gave her that opportunity, proving that dreams do come true with hard work and dedication.

An Interview with Elle Fanning

When asked about what drew her to the role, Elle Fanning shared:

“I love singing and have always dreamed of being in a musical. In school, I sang in the choir and even thought about becoming a pop star (laughs). I constantly imagined myself performing on stage. However, directors never saw me as a singer. So, when I heard about Max’s project, I immediately offered myself for the role. After reading the script, I realized that Violet is very different from me. She is reserved, not very sociable, and not as talkative as I am (laughs). I had to work on that. Max often reminded me, ‘Don’t smile’ (laughs). It was challenging, but I was willing to do anything to sing.”

Preparing for the Role

Elle Fanning shared her experience preparing for the role:

“When I started working on the role, I realized I should have started vocal lessons yesterday (laughs). So, I spent entire days with teachers—vocal coaches, Polish language instructors, British accent trainers, and dance teachers. It was three months of intense training. I sang every day and listened to the recordings. I enjoy working under pressure.”

Discovering New Talents

Fanning reflected on what she learned about herself during this process:

“We worked a lot on live performances, so I had to move, dance, and sing simultaneously, which is not as easy as it seems. But I managed to do it all. It helped that Violet is a beginner and doesn’t have to be perfect. Sometimes, I had to hold myself back to stay in character—Violet is internally constrained and not a perfect performer.”

Future Musical Aspirations

When asked about recording a music album, Fanning expressed her interest:

“Yes, I would like to. I think this film has opened a new path for me. Moreover, during the filming, I met many people from the music industry. Interscope Records has shown interest…”