Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts has said she was “pinching” herself during the making of Michael Collins.
Speaking to Screentime following the release of her latest film, Roberts said playing Kitty Kiernan in the 1996 film was “gorgeous” and praised director Neil Jordan.
“That was one of those films where I was constantly pinching myself,” she said. “I loved making that movie.
“It was a wonderful time and great friends making this movie – it's so beautiful to look at and so heartbreaking.”
Roberts stars in the latest Netflix film Leave the World Behind, where she stars as a mother whose family holiday is interrupted by two strangers claiming there is a mysterious blackout around the world.
The film also stars Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali and Myha’la.
Finding a balance
Roberts admitted her own character Amanda is not a very likeable person – but that’s what makes the role more exciting.
“Her mind works in a way that is very different from my own,” she said.
“You want to find a balance - I don’t want her to just be unlikable, but here are things about her that are unlikable and she’s quite suspicious of people.
“It was fun to find the nuances of her and still believe she Is a good person – there is potential, it just needs to be excavated.”
'Undercurrent of race'
Leave the World Behind has a strong “undercurrent of race” between the white and Black couples, according to Roberts.
"We tried to create that sort of tension and subtext a little bit,” she said. “It is as much a suspension of all people, with a nice little current of race within that.”
Roberts also noted that her co-star Myha’la is a rising star, having performed in Black Mirror and Bodies Bodies Bodies.
“There was a moment we were stood in the kitchen together – and Ethan and Mahershala and I kind of established – and here’s this gorgeous girl standing here as she unpacks this incredible performance,” she said.
“It brings me joy – it doesn't make me think to say anything but well done.”
To listen to the full interview with Julia Roberts, tune into Screentime with John Fardy at 6pm on Newstalk.
