The Actress Fiona Shaw Discusses Her Professional Journey: From Andor to Harry Potter

During a recent conversation, acclaimed performer Fiona Shaw shared insights about her diverse career covering many years and memorable characters.

The Impactful Andor Monologue

When discussing her memorable eulogy scene in the Disney+ show Andor, Shaw revealed that the initial version contained stronger language. "I actually spoke a different word in my speech," she explained, "while the screenwriter wanted the studio would approve it."

The actress described the unique filming conditions for this specific moment. "While I delivered that speech, I was recorded with about 200 cameras for making a hologram. I was entirely by myself in a huge soundstage, with no director nor crew members there with me."

Classic Literature Projects

Speaking about the forthcoming screen version of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, Shaw shared enthusiasm about the completed filming. "We've just finished shooting it," she stated, "and what an actor typically doesn't see is the completed movie."

The actress commended director Georgia Oakley as "really lovely and quite confident." The filming took place in stunning houses across the UK, including sites within Dorset, Knebworth, and Devonshire.

Shaw also reflected on her previous role in the 1995 adaptation of Persuasion, playing Mrs. Croft. "Our filmmaker had particular demands: without hairpieces and just candle illumination," she remembered. "He genuinely wanted to recreate the feeling of nineteenth-century existence."

Harry Potter Memories

In response to questions regarding her time in the Harry Potter franchise, Shaw spoke fondly about collaborating with her departed co-star. "He represented the most refined, artistic and gifted man," she shared. "He possessed the most beautiful penmanship and once sent me a note inviting me to lunch in ornate gothic script."

She described Griffiths as constantly speaking and sharing fascinating anecdotes with both her and the child performers on set. "He had fantastic general knowledge so we would listen captivated by his tales."

Stage Performances

Talking about her Broadway performance in Medea, Shaw recalled how psychologically challenging the show was. "I encountered one of the ensemble actors several years after, who said: 'I'm not over it yet,'" she shared.

This theatrical work had an extensive run, starting in Dublin, then traveling to England, followed by Washington DC, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and finally Broadway. "We became very close as a company," she added.

Approach to Acting

When questioned about her ability to transition between comedy and drama, Shaw clarified that "comedy connects us as it's about breaking conventions." However, she admitted that "prior to a comedy, I always sleep poorly, because you have to find the rhythm during performance."

Regarding her method for approaching different characters, Shaw commented: "I discover each one challenging. 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 latest role in Hot Milk, Shaw characterized her character Rose as "a terrible woman but you can't play anything from that viewpoint." She explained that Rose suffers from a nervous system condition that causes mobility issues.

"She is unaware of the effect she creates on her daughter," Shaw noted. "All she knows is that she desires to get better. She's well-intentioned yet unaware. Maybe this represents what many people resemble."

Self-Perception

When told that viewers consider her perfect for authority figure characters, Shaw responded with humor: "Goodness me! I'm really not intimidating. But perhaps when filled with purpose, my features might seem threatening."

The actress continued: "I am in life sometimes quite scatty so perhaps it's therapeutic for me to play very intelligent, organized characters. I try to portray interesting people so I avoid criticizing them. Don't be scared – approach and greet me!"

Passion for Words

Talking about her celebrated interpretation of the poetic work The Waste Land, Shaw conveyed her profound relationship with words and verse. "I'm consistently devoted in the language," she declared, "because the clues to everything are there in the choice of words."

The actress thinks that "poetry represents the polished form of language, or the moment that has been captured." As individuals boil down to what they genuinely wish to express, it's frequently lyrical."

Audiobook Work

Concerning her acclaimed audiobook performances, particularly the classic Alice in Wonderland, Shaw shared that "I loved reading Alice in Wonderland because I incorporated all my acquaintances into it – my friends and fellow performers."

The actress explained how she performed the caterpillar as channeling Alan Rickman, and characterized the Red Queen evoking Geraldine McEwan. "It always seems a honor to sit and speak literature," she concluded, "despite needing days and days of work."

Working with Terrence Malick

Recalling her experience working with renowned director Terrence Malick on his film Tree of Life, Shaw portrayed him as distinctive. "Everything Terrence Malick says and does is different," she noted.

She shared a specific recollection of their first meeting: "He left a message on my answering machine which said, 'I wonder, would you come and help 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 unusual selection in the world."

The actress also described 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 continued, "meaning actors could perform inside by a window or exterior on location."

Concerning the lengthy post-production, Shaw revealed 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 primary roles, but when the film was released, I was nearly gone."

The actress finished by characterizing Malick's distinctive approach: "He builds this enormous structure, and he removes most elements. He essentially deconstructs films."