Director James Lucas believes his new film, Moss & Freud, offers an intriguing glimpse into the complex woman behind supermodel Kate Moss, revealing a personality vastly different from her public image. The Oscar-winning filmmaker, 49, spoke exclusively to the Mirror at the film's premiere, stating that audiences will be surprised by the layers they discover.
A Surprising Portrait of Kate Moss
Lucas, who co-wrote and produced The Phone Call which won the 2015 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film, describes Moss as highly intelligent, charismatic, and funny. He emphasises that she has earned her status through hard work and talent. The film explores Moss's unexpected friendship with legendary British painter Lucian Freud, who died in 2011 at age 88.
The Unlikely Bond Between Model and Painter
Biographical drama Moss & Freud delves into one of the most unlikely artist collaborations of the early 2000s, leading to a lifelong friendship and the celebrated portrait The Naked Portrait (2002). The painting, depicting a pregnant Moss, was auctioned at Christie's in 2005 for £3.93 million. The collaboration began when Moss expressed her desire to be painted by Freud, who famously turned down most celebrity commissions, including Princess Diana.
Freud invited Moss to his studio, where she sat for him seven nights a week, from 7pm to 2am, over nine months. The exacting artist would berate her if she was even a few minutes late. Moss later admitted that Freud was the first person to teach her 'true discipline'. Beyond the portrait, Freud also designed and tattooed two swallows on her lower back, a symbol of their friendship. This artwork is now considered one of the most valuable pieces of body art, with valuations exceeding £1 million.
Director's Personal Connection
Lucas, who met Moss for the first time when approaching her about the film, recalls being a 'film and art bunny on the periphery' in the 1990s while Moss was already a high priestess of fashion. He sent her a traditional letter outlining his vision, which resonated with her, leading to their collaboration. Lucas was drawn to the creative backdrop of London in the late noughties, a time he describes as bristling with creativity across fashion, art, music, and film. He hopes the film's universal theme of human connection will resonate with audiences.
The film stars Ellie Bamber as Kate Moss and Derek Jacobi as Lucian Freud. Lucas was unable to meet Freud but gained invaluable insight from his long-term assistant David Dawson, who worked with him for twenty years. Lucas wrote the screenplay in Freud's actual art studio to create an authentic world.
Moss & Freud is in cinemas from Friday, 29 May.
