Amanda Seyfried and Mona Fastvold on The Testament of Ann Lee: A Journey into Obsession and Devotion
In a London hotel room, actress Amanda Seyfried and director Mona Fastvold sit together, reflecting on their latest cinematic collaboration, The Testament of Ann Lee. This bonkers musical fantasia delves into the life of an obscure 18th-century religious leader, blending feverish visions with soaring hymns. Seyfried, known for her Oscar-nominated role in Mank, portrays Ann Lee with a fearless intensity, while Fastvold, the Norwegian filmmaker, guides the project with a visionary touch.
A Singular Cinematic Experience
The Testament of Ann Lee is not your typical period drama. Described as an "all-round odd duck" of a movie, it channels the phantasmagorical spirit of directors like Lars von Trier. Seyfried expresses genuine concern for viewers' aftercare, asking if they watched it with someone to process the experience. "It's nice to process it with somebody else," she notes, highlighting the film's emotionally charged nature. Fastvold beams with delight at such reactions, stating, "That's my favourite sort of feeling."
The film tells the factual immigrant story of Ann Lee, the illiterate daughter of a Mancunian blacksmith who joined the Shaking Quakers in 1758. This religious sect, known for ecstatic shaking dances, preached pacifism, gender equality, and celibacy. Seyfried's performance captures Lee's transformation from maternal agony—after losing four children in infancy—to religious devotion, as she "decided to mother the world," according to Fastvold.
Behind the Scenes: Bonding and Bravery
Fastvold and Seyfried's partnership blossomed during the filming of The Crowded Room and Long Bright River. When Fastvold offered Seyfried the lead role in Ann Lee, the actress initially hesitated, suggesting a British actor might be better suited. However, she quickly found her "way in" by connecting with Lee's "unadulterated passion and devotion." Seyfried admits, "I can understand how someone can be brought to their knees in that way."
The role demanded immense technical skill, including live singing, choreography, and a Manchester accent. Seyfried prepared by studying Maxine Peake's accent videos and embracing Celia Rowlson-Hall's demanding choreography. "It becomes this full-bodied expression of your devotion," she explains. To unwind, she listened to Backstreet Boys, a stark contrast to the 18th-century setting.
Personal Connections and Maternal Themes
Both women, mothers themselves, infused the project with personal insights. Fastvold, who co-wrote the screenplay with her partner Brady Corbet, encouraged a family-friendly set in Hungary, where much of the film was shot. As production wrapped, Seyfried and Fastvold became roommates, sharing cosy moments like folding laundry and enjoying morning rituals with French press coffee and candles.
Fastvold praises Seyfried's "mad" yet playful freedom, essential for accessing deep emotional places in her work. In turn, Seyfried lauds Fastvold's bravery, noting, "You don't care about the rules." This mutual admiration underscores their collaborative spirit, with Fastvold hinting at an autobiographical dimension to the film: "Isn't there always?"
Oscar Buzz and Outspokenness
Despite Seyfried's "astounding" performance, acknowledged by an anonymous Academy voter, The Testament of Ann Lee may not follow Mank's Oscar trajectory. Seyfried's outspokenness, including her refusal to apologise for criticising far-right activist Charlie Kirk, might have influenced awards season dynamics. Yet, she remains unfazed, telling the New Yorker, "I've gotten this far without an Oscar. Why would I need one now?"
With recent successes like the thriller The Housemaid, Seyfried balances multiplex appeal with arthouse daring. Fastvold, meanwhile, continues to explore unconventional narratives, from 19th-century lesbian dramas to Shaker musicals. Their film invites audiences to embrace its operatic blend of seriousness and absurdity, as Seyfried advised at an AFI screening: "Don't be afraid to laugh: it's absurd at moments and that's what makes it special."
The Testament of Ann Lee arrives in UK cinemas on 20 February, offering a rapturous and heady exploration of faith, leadership, and human connection.
