Amanda Seyfried Reflects on Learning Joni Mitchell’s Blue for Shelved Biopic
Amanda Seyfried spent the pandemic mastering Joni Mitchell’s 1971 album Blue on guitar, piano, and dulcimer to prepare for a now-shelved biopic about the folk icon. According to a recent interview with GQ, the rigorous preparation left Seyfried feeling like a “bona fide musician,” a milestone she reached after learning to play the final track on the record, “[The Last Time I Saw] Richard.”
The Preparation Process
Seyfried’s commitment to the role involved more than just technical practice; it included personal sessions with Mitchell herself. During visits to the musician’s home in Los Angeles, the pair listened to the album, with Mitchell characterizing the work as “sparse” and “perfect.” Seyfried recalled the emotional weight of the project, noting that she wept upon completing the full album repertoire, which she described as a “mountain” she had successfully climbed.
Why the Project Matters
The intensity of Seyfried’s preparation highlights the high barrier to entry for portraying legendary artists on screen. While the project Seyfried was attached to—a film centered on Mitchell and her manager, the late Elliot Roberts—has been shelved, the public interest in her musical ability remains. Last year, a clip of Seyfried playing “California” on the dulcimer during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon went viral, which Seyfried attributed to the unexpected and “happy” nature of the performance.
Future Developments
While Seyfried’s specific project is off the table, another film regarding Mitchell is currently in development under director Cameron Crowe. Reports indicate Meryl Streep is slated to portray Mitchell in her later years. Although details remain scarce, Seyfried noted that the narrative structure of the new project covers both the singer’s youth and her later life. It is possible that as production continues, more will be revealed about how the film aims to capture the breadth of Mitchell’s career compared to the previously shelved version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the biopic featuring Amanda Seyfried shelved?
The provided information does not state the reason for the project being shelved, only that it is no longer moving forward.
What instruments did Amanda Seyfried learn to play?
To prepare for the role, Seyfried learned to play the entirety of the album Blue on the guitar, piano, and dulcimer.
Who is directing the upcoming Joni Mitchell project?
Director Cameron Crowe is behind the new project, which is set to feature Meryl Streep as Mitchell in her later years.
How do you think an actor’s musical preparation influences the authenticity of a biographical film?