Stacy Martin, the acclaimed indie actor, is not a religious person, yet she firmly believes in the existence of unexplainable phenomena. Recounting a peculiar incident at her north London home, she describes a persistently flickering lightbulb that defied all logical solutions. Instead of turning to conventional methods, Martin sought advice from her annual psychic, a tea leaf reader she visits under a pseudonym. The psychic suggested someone was attempting to communicate with her. "I decided to start talking to this person," Martin reveals. "And remarkably, the flickering stopped immediately." She avoids labelling it as a ghostly encounter but acknowledges that there are mysteries beyond rational comprehension.
A Divine Vessel in 'The Testament of Ann Lee'
In her latest cinematic venture, 'The Testament of Ann Lee', Martin embodies Jane "Mother Jane" Wardley, the leader of the Shaking Quakers who guided the 18th-century religious founder Ann Lee, portrayed by Amanda Seyfried. Directed by Mona Fastvold, this unconventional musical delves into the life of Ann Lee, who renounced marital relations to devote herself entirely to God. The film, co-written by Fastvold's partner Brady Corbet and featuring an experimental score by Oscar-winner Daniel Blumberg, presents a unique exploration of spiritual ecstasy through hypnotic choreography by Celia Rowlson-Hall.
Transgressing Expectations and Artistic Collaborations
Since her breakthrough role in Lars von Trier's 'Nymphomaniac' in 2013, Martin has consistently chosen projects with arthouse visionaries like Michel Hazanavicius and Ben Wheatley. She has collaborated three times with Brady Corbet, forming part of a close-knit artistic troupe. "No one would ever imagine me in a musical," Martin admits with a hint of pride. "I relish the opportunity to defy expectations." Currently splitting her time between London and Los Angeles, she video calls from her oak-panelled library in Beachwood Canyon, contemplating the extravagance of purchasing duplicate books for both residences.
Martin's sharp wit and dry humour shine through as she discusses her recent intellectual pursuits. She is engrossed in a David Lynch biography and attempting to grasp the complexities of quantum physics. "Some of my closest friends are passionate about it, but I often find myself lost in their explanations," she confesses. "I'm determined to understand it better."
The Shakers: Celibacy and Catharsis
Researching her role, Martin discovered limited historical records about Mother Jane, primarily noting her advice to Ann Lee regarding abstinence from marital intimacy. The Shakers, now a dwindling Protestant sect with only three surviving members, are renowned for their minimalist furniture and strict celibacy. Martin found the contrast between her character's chaste marriage and the fervent, physical expressions of worship fascinating. "The movement is incredibly visceral and cathartic," she observes. "It's surprising that she chose to forgo sexual relations, but in that era, abstinence may have been a means for women to attain status and power."
The film's choreography, described by Martin as possessing a "tender violence", captivated her during the intensive two-week rehearsal period. "It felt like summer camp, though I've never actually experienced one," she remarks with a chuckle.
A Supportive Artistic Family
Martin first encountered Fastvold on the set of Corbet's debut film, 'The Childhood of a Leader', in Budapest back in 2015. She describes the couple as being "in symbiosis", dedicated to crafting narratives that resonate deeply with their personal experiences. In 'The Testament of Ann Lee', Martin perceives Fastvold's exploration of motherhood, not solely in biological terms but as creating nurturing environments for artistic growth. "Mona has been a maternal figure to me for the past decade," Martin shares affectionately. "She met me when I was just starting out, and we've shared countless life moments. Her ability to listen without always offering solutions is invaluable."
Oscars, Tequila, and Independent Cinema
The critical success of 'The Brutalist', which secured three Oscars, validated Martin's commitment to independent filmmaking. Attending the Academy Awards with Fastvold and Corbet was a memorable experience. "They provide alcohol under your seat—I believe it was tequila," she recalls dryly. "It helps maintain spirits during the lengthy ceremony." While she found the spectacle somewhat surreal, she embraced the moment, knowing it might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Fastvold praises Martin as "a true cinephile" with an innate understanding of cinematic vision. Martin frequents east London's Close-Up cinema and is an avid DVD collector, having purchased half the stock from The Film Shop in Stoke Newington when it closed. "The ritual of discovering films through recommendations was something I cherished," she reflects nostalgically.
Venturing into New Creative Territories
Driven by a desire to avoid repetition, Martin recently wrote and directed her first short film, gaining a newfound appreciation for the complexities of filmmaking. "As an actor, you're somewhat shielded from the entire process," she notes. "Being behind the camera was an intense, eye-opening experience." Her upcoming project, 'The Queen of Fashion', sees her portraying Daphne Guinness in a story about avant-garde editor Isabella Blow, featuring original pieces from designers like Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy.
Despite her established niche in independent cinema, Martin is open to mainstream opportunities. "Hollywood blockbusters haven't come my way naturally," she admits. At 35, she is actively manifesting a role in the next Jurassic Park instalment. "It was the first film I ever saw in a cinema, and it utterly captivated me," she enthuses. "If I keep vocalising this desire, I believe it will eventually materialise."
'The Testament of Ann Lee' is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 27 February.
