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Actress Cate Blanchett says film is not truth
Toronto, Sept 10: Cate Blanchett, Australian star of `Veronica Guerin,` which is having its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, told reporters on Monday she was terrified playing the true story of a crusading Irish journalist, but noted that the film itself is not truth.
"The way someone breathes, the way someone phrases what they choose not to say reveals a lot about their inner psychology. That was really important because she was an incredibly, incredibly complex and remarkable woman," Blanchett said.
But she said she did not mimic Guerin. "I'm an actor, not a mimic," she said. "In the end, I find it odd that we think film is truth because it is a fantastical medium... Whether you're on stage or screen, you want the audience to believe you are the person you say you are. That's your job."
Before her death, Guerin had been beaten up by one drug lord and shot in the leg from close range by an unknown masked assailant. Her murder sparked a public backlash and a crackdown on the city's underworld.
Guerin's stories revealed the lifestyles of various gang leaders, employing pseudonyms such as the Coach, the General and the Monk.
Directed by Joel Schumacher, the film also stars Gerard McSorley, Ciaran Hinds, and Brenda Fricker.
Blanchett has appeared in such Hollywood films as "The Lord of the Rings" and "Elizabeth," for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for best actress in the title role in 1999.
"Veronica Guerin" will be in theaters across North America in October.
Now celebrating its 28th year, the Toronto festival is ranked with Cannes, Venice, Berlin and Sundance as among the world's most influential. This year's 10-day event will screen more than 300 movies from 55 countries.
Bureau Report