interview: mia wasikowska

Canberra-born rising star Mia Wasikowska who is best known for her role in Tim Burton’s hugely successful Alice in Wonderland, recently appeared in a new adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel Jane Eyre, currently screening in cinemas. Wasikowska stars opposite Michael Fassbender as Mr Rochester, with supporting roles from Judi Dench and Jamie Bell.

Wasikowska was immediately attracted to her role as the strong-willed leading lady. “I just loved the book, and I really connected to the character. I thought she was such an important role model for young women, so I feel very honoured to have been able to play her”. She believes that Jane embodies universal qualities, noting that “I think any young woman can relate to her” she says. “The core of the story is someone who is young, living in a very isolated society and she’s trying to find a connection and a family to make her own”.

When preparing for the film, Wasikowska chose not to watch any of the other adaptations. “I was partially overwhelmed by how many there were …I think there are over 22” she says. “But I also didn’t want to be too influenced by the others. It probably would have taken up all of the rehearsals to watch all of the versions as well” she laughs.

This film was a big step for director Cary Fukunaga whose debut feature Sim Nombre was released only two years ago, but Wasikowska was impressed by his professionalism. “It was great [working with Cary]” she says.  “I think it was really brave to take on something so different [from his previous film]. He was really smart and had such strong ideas for all of the characters and the time period. He was so on-the-ball about everything. I was very proud of him”.

Wasikowska recently returned from the States and has been enjoying her time in the nation’s capital. “Since I’ve been back in Australia I’ve been mainly in Canberra”. Even though she’s taking Hollywood in her stride, she misses her family, friends and the simple ways of life. “Canberra’s such an easy place” she says.

After Jane Eyre, Wasikowska will be seen in Gus Van Sant’s new film Restless which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May. “I’ve been a fan of Gus’ for many years, so to be on one of his sets was so exciting”. This year she will also be working on a range of different projects. “I’m in a film called Stoker which is going to be directed by Chan Woo Pack – he’s a Korean director, and his films again, I’m a fan of, so I can’t wait for that. I’ve been so lucky… and I’m jumping out of my skin to be able to work with some of these directors”.