Vivid, luscious and operatic, “Elvis” is without a doubt the vision of Baz Luhrmann. But the Australian director, as he has done on all of his feature films, collaborates with high-level women throughout his production team.
“We’re all there shoulder to shoulder with him,” said his longtime costume designer, production designer, producer (and wife), Catherine Martin.
In TheWrap’s Screening Series Q&A for “Elvis,” Martin joined producer Gail Berman and cinematographer Mandy Walker for a lively conversation about the making of the film.
“Elvis” is nominated for eight Oscars and all three women are nominated in their respective categories: Berman for Best Picture, Walker for Best Cinematography (only the third female nominee) and Martin for Best Picture, Best Production Design and Best Costumes. Design.
A four-time Oscar winner, Martin has twice won awards for production design and costume design (for “Moulin Rouge” and “The Great Gatsby”), making her the winningest Australian in Oscars history. Academy Awards.
In the clip above, Martin expressed his elation at the recognition “Elvis” has received.
“I was particularly excited about two nominations,” she said. “The historic nomination for Mandy, one of only three women nominated for cinematography. She excites me every time I think about it. That Mandy, who is an extraordinary artist and also a wonderful person, is being recognized for her work. And then also for Best Picture, because I’m nominated along with another woman, Gail, who is an extraordinary producer with an incredible career.”
Berman, who served as president of both a movie studio (Paramount Pictures) and a television studio (Fox Broadcasting Company), expressed her thanks to Martin, referring to her as a cunning “co-conspirator” during the long development. from “Elvis”. .”
“I also had Catherine help me from time to time,” Berman said. “I’d go out to lunch with her in New York and say, ‘Hey, you know, did we do this or did we do that.’ And I have to say, these are amazing women to be around and I am truly honored and honored to be among them.”
Later in the conversation, Berman and Martin also paid tribute to the Presley family, especially Elvis and Pricilla’s daughter, Lisa Marie, who died in January.
“She was an amazing partner and a lovely person,” Berman said. “She was soft-spoken and she was interested in what you had to say. And she was very kind to us by opening her house, Graceland, and throwing us a housewarming party. So our loss, and obviously the loss of her family, is tremendous and we grieve for her and her family.”
Martin described the Presley family’s adoption of the film as one of the most moving things to ever happen to him, linking this film’s legacy to one of her and Luhrmann’s early films, now considered a modern classic.
“The Presley family have welcomed the film and feel that it is a respectful retelling of the life of his father and grandfather,” he said. “Time will tell if the film stands the test of time. We cannot be the arbiters of that. But Baz and I love the fact that ‘Romeo + Juliet,’ even though it was made in the ’90s, is still being watched by teens today. Particularly at school, much to the chagrin of our children.”
Martin continued: “We love the idea that you could, for a brief moment, have been a part of creating a story that speaks to a larger human experience that people can share around the world, at a time when it seems that we are focusing on difference. The reality is that humans have much more in common than in conflict.”
Near the end of the conversation, Berman paused to point out the pleasure he took in spending time with his two colleagues and friends.
“I just want to highlight the girl power here,” she said. “Because these two women are great, great collaborators and people to hang out with. So besides their art, they’re cool girls.”
AND Whether they win or lose, the women vowed to have fun on Oscar night. March 12.
“Although not too much champagne,” said Martin. “Are you okay ladies?”
“She will be a very good monitor,” Berman said.
“No, I’m the worst,” Martin added.
Watch the full interview with Catheine Martin, Gail Berman and Mandy Walker here.