During a revealing conversation, the acclaimed performer reflects on subjects as varied as her newest character as Queen of the Cuttlefish to the invaluable wisdom learned through theatrical mistakes and fan interactions.
Given the Chance to Become a Fish for a Day
Your latest role is the monarch of the cuttlefish in The Pout-Pout Fish; supposing you had the opportunity to be a fish for a day, which one would it be and why?
Straight away, that particular fish found at a specific shoreline – because it’s a local landmark, and people go there specifically to spot it. It strikes me as remarkable that there’s a local fish that people actually seek out and discuss – it holds a unique status.
A Cinematic Staple to Revisit
What film do you repeatedly watch, and why?
The 1942 film To Be Or Not To Be. I adore this film. When I was growing up, it used to come on the ABC occasionally, and one time I videotaped it. I found it was hilarious. It stars the legendary Carole Lombard and comedian Jack Benny. Not long ago they were showing it at a cinema and it turned out that it was also the favourite film of a friend of mine, and so we went and simply chuckled and laughed. It’s such great piece of humor and all the actors in it are fantastic. Mel Brooks remade it in the 1980s – which was not successful. But the original film is an exceptional farce, to be watched often.
The Best Insight Learned From a Co-Star
What is the most valuable lesson you took away from someone a colleague?
Years ago I performed in A Doll’s House alongside Peter O’Brien – now my spouse, but at the time we were not a couple. We portrayed characters opposite each other and during the premiere I stumbled – I skipped forward some dialogue in the script. I was unaware of my error but I suddenly realised things were off. I recall looking at him, and he expertly rescued the moment, and then our performance took off again and went really, really well. But I think the insight gained then was, firstly, consistently rely on the people in your scene. If you don’t know where you are, by looking and toward the people sharing the stage with, you can rediscover your correct position somehow. It’s such collaborative endeavor, performing live. And secondly, to maintain a sense of fun regarding it. Sometimes when something goes wrong, things actually spark off in a wonderfully positive way if you’re really present in that moment. It can be a gift when things go completely awry.
Heartening Interactions with Admirers
Can you describe your most touching interaction with a fan?
There isn't a single specific meeting but when I meet fans of Lord of the Rings, especially female fans, I am told numerous stories about what Eowyn impacted them when they were growing up … things that had happened in their lives and the extent to which that character signified for them and was some kind of help to them in those times.
What do you get asked about the most by Lord of the Rings fans?
The most specific question is invariably regarding the stew that Eowyn serves Aragorn. “Was the stew really that bad?” It’s become a running gag, the whole thing about the stew, and everyone wants to know what was in the pot, and its preparation method, and do you think she’s a better cook now, or do you think she really is a bad cook? People are, in my view, fascinated by the humour of that situation. And I provide lengthy descriptions describing the ingredients that made up the concoction – because I remember what they did; such as put bits of colored thread to simulate the appearance like blood vessels in the meat. The crew employed great detail to render it as unappetizing as they could.
A Cringeworthy Celebrity Meeting
What’s been your most embarrassing celebrity encounter?
I was at a pilates class and there was a woman on a mat exercising, and the teacher remarked, “Hello Miranda, meet Miranda.” And I attempted a lighthearted remark about, “oh, are you a journalist?” Because it’s an unusual name and often when someone’s a Miranda, they’re a journalist. I hadn't properly seeing who it was. And as she rose, it was Miranda Richardson. At that point, I was at a loss for words. I still had to stay and do my class, and I experienced so embarrassed. I wished to explain: “Oh my gosh, I do know who you are!” I think she’s so fabulous and I was just too starstruck to utter a syllable.
The Origin of a Name
Articles have repeatedly stated that you were named after Prospero’s daughter in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and yet you've mentioned you saying otherwise – can you clarify this definitively?
Yes – I was christened for a district in Sydney. Mum heard on the radio that they were opening a shopping centre at Miranda, and she thought seemed a nice name.
Pandemonium on Set
What was the chaotic thing that’s ever happened on set?
When I was working in Brazil on Reaching for the Moon that was the most chaotic set I’ve ever worked on, and yet the film emerged brilliantly. But the local crew operated in a distinct manner. Their concept of time there is unique. Typically, you receive a schedule and you have to be on set punctually. But this was rather open ended – you come on set at one's convenience. It was a novel way of working for me. All aspects were all coming together at the final moment, and at times the plan was unclear where they were shooting the next day the methodology. And then you’d be in during a scene and be like, “What was that noise that disturbed the scene? Oh, it’s a crew member opening some champagne during filming, because he’s making a party.” It turned out great, but wow, it’s a distinct approach to film-making.
A Hidden Skill
What are you secretly good at?
I’ve always been good with numbers. I retain numbers easier than I memorise words a lot of the time, I simply have a numerically-oriented mind. So I think had I not pursued acting, I likely might have entered a field something to do with numbers, like math or finance.
The Finest Piece of Advice Ever Received
What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever received?
When I was in secondary school, someone addressed us when we were graduating and stated, “have no fear to fail” … which I think is the best piece of advice, because you learn far more from failure than is gained from triumph. Success, one rarely comprehends precisely why it happened. Failure, the lessons are so much more.
