Anne Hathaway has revealed that she relied heavily on a specific Beyoncé track to prepare for her starring role in the upcoming musical film Mother Mary. The actress, known for her Oscar-winning performance in Les Misérables, said she listened to "Ameriican Requiem" on repeat to get into character as a fictional pop icon.
Finding the Right Vocal Style
During a recent Q&A session in New York, Hathaway explained her unique preparation process. "Musical theater is many wonderful things, but it's not the coolest sound. Not known for its swag!" she quipped. "So, I listened to 'Ameriican Requiem' by Beyoncé, over and over and over."
The 43-year-old actress praised Beyoncé's "mesmerizing and astonishing" vocals on the lead track from the 2024 Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter. Hathaway studied the pop superstar's "phraseology, her musicianship, understanding the history of her voice that had led her to be able to make that sound that is so still, so present."
Embracing a Different Approach
"I appreciated that Beyoncé can be a powerful vocalist, but she also knows how to be still," Hathaway continued. "I thought, OK, maybe there's something to be said about having a sweet, still voice. Maybe I can work with this."
She admitted that learning the phrasing of pop music "was a really big deal — that was like learning a new language," highlighting the significant adjustment from her musical theater background.
Consulting with Contemporary Pop Stars
In addition to her Beyoncé immersion, Hathaway sought guidance from British pop sensation Charli XCX. Speaking at the film's premiere, she explained: "I wanted to talk to her about the music, she wrote such amazing music that I was going to perform. But I also just had a lot of questions for her about what her life was like, what the experience of being a pop star was."
About Mother Mary
The psychological drama from A24 features Hathaway as fictional pop icon Mother Mary, who reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer, played by Michaela Coel, on the eve of her comeback performance. The film is directed by David Lowery and includes supporting performances from Hunter Schafer, Alba Baptista, FKA twigs, and Kaia Gerber.
Early critical reception has been mixed, with The Guardian labeling it a "ludicrous pop star drama" in a two-star review, while Vulture declared the film "worth your worship." The movie currently holds a 76 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Mother Mary opens in limited theaters on April 17 before expanding nationwide on April 24, offering audiences a unique glimpse into the world of pop stardom through Hathaway's carefully prepared performance.
