How Beyoncé Inspired Anne Hathaway's Role in 'Mother Mary'
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Los Angeles, April 17 (NationPress) Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway is preparing for her upcoming film, Mother Mary, and credits Beyoncé for her inspiration. To embody the character, Hathaway frequently listened to Beyoncé's 2024 hit, American Requiem, which significantly influenced her portrayal in the psychological thriller. The film narrates the complex relationship between pop icon Mary and fashion designer Sam Anselm.
By analyzing Beyoncé's vocal style, Hathaway discovered that adopting a softer tone could enhance her character's depth. During a Q&A session at the film's soundtrack listening event, Hathaway expressed, "The technique in that song is truly captivating and authentic." She added, "Listening to her phrasing and musicianship while appreciating the evolution of her sound helped me understand how to bring a gentle yet powerful voice to my character."
For Hathaway, studying the 35-time Grammy Award winner's approach to pop phrasing was essential in her preparation. "I realized that perhaps there is merit in a sweet, calming voice. I could explore this direction," she remarked.
Initially trained in musical theatre, Hathaway dedicated two years to retraining her voice for a contemporary pop sound for Mother Mary. Reflecting on her mother, Kate McCauley Hathaway, she noted, "I tend to be more soft-spoken compared to her. I never considered myself a singer, always thinking of icons like Whitney Houston as the true vocalists, feeling unable to execute runs like they do."
With Mother Mary, Hathaway stated, "I encountered an entirely new singing style that puzzled me for quite some time. It took me nearly two years to master it, largely by analyzing what made other singers stand out and why their sound was so appealing."