Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence has identified her most gruelling acting preparation to date: the role of a Russian spy in the 2018 espionage thriller Red Sparrow.
The Most Demanding Role of Her Career
The 35-year-old star, originally from Kentucky, made the revelation during a Q&A session at New York City's Kaufmann Concert Hall on Wednesday. The event was sponsored by 92NY. Lawrence explained to moderator Josh Horowitz that the film, directed by Francis Lawrence, presented a unique set of challenges that surpassed any other in her career.
"Technically speaking, Red Sparrow, because I had to learn a Russian accent," the actress stated, according to a report by People. In the film, she portrayed Dominika Egorova, a talented Russian ballerina who is coerced into becoming an intelligence operative for the state.
Intense Physical and Mental Discipline
Beyond the linguistic hurdle, Lawrence emphasised a significant physical component to the role. She was acutely aware of needing to embody the physique and discipline of a former prima ballerina. "Part of preparing for Dominika was the physical training with the ballet," Lawrence said. "It was something that was on my mind constantly throughout the entire script."
To achieve the necessary level of skill and physicality, Lawrence underwent a punishing training regime. Associate choreographer Kurt Froman detailed that she committed to six days a week of ballet practice, for three hours each day. This dedication was part of a broader transformation that included weight loss for the part.
"Red Sparrow was the first time that I was really hungry, and disciplined," Lawrence confessed to Vanity Fair in a 2018 interview. "I can't be in character as an ex-ballerina and not feel like an ex-ballerina." She described a strategic approach to filming, scheduling the demanding dance sequences early in the shoot while she was still dieting, so she could return to a normal eating pattern for the remainder of production.
The mental toll of the strict regimen was evident. Lawrence recalled "having a meltdown, freaking out that I had eaten five banana chips," highlighting the extreme pressure she placed on herself.
Box Office Reception and Current Projects
The film, an adaptation of the novel by former C.I.A. officer Jason Matthews, featured a strong supporting cast including Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Charlotte Rampling. Upon its release in March 2018, Red Sparrow grossed $151 million globally, with $46 million of that total coming from domestic box office sales.
Jennifer Lawrence is currently promoting her latest project, the dark comedy Die My Love, which co-stars Robert Pattinson, Sissy Spacek, Nick Nolte, and LaKeith Stanfield.
