‘I don’t want to do the same thing over and over’: Stacy Martin on risky roles, tequila at the Oscars and her Jurassic Park dream

Actor Stacy Martin, known for her work in independent cinema, has described a personal experience that led her to seek guidance from a tea leaf reader. Despite stating she is “not a religious person,” Martin acknowledges that unexplained events have occurred in her life, prompting her to consult the psychic annually, even booking appointments under an assumed name.

A Flickering Light and a Psychic Connection

Martin recounted an incident involving a persistently flickering lightbulb in her London home. After repeated attempts to resolve the issue, she turned to her tea leaf reader, who suggested someone was attempting to communicate with her. Martin acted on this advice, initiating a dialogue with the unseen presence, after which the lightbulb reportedly stopped flickering.

New Role in “The Testament of Ann Lee”

Martin is currently starring in Mona Fastvold’s film, The Testament of Ann Lee, a musical that portrays the 18th-century religious leader Ann Lee, founder of the Shakers. Martin plays Jane “Mother Jane” Wardley, a key figure who influenced Ann Lee’s path. The film explores themes of devotion, abstinence, and spiritual catharsis through song, dance, and choreography.

Did You Know? The Shakers, known today for their minimalist furniture, were a Protestant sect historically defined by their practice of celibacy, with only three remaining members alive today.

A Career Defined by Artistic Collaboration

Martin’s career has been marked by collaborations with filmmakers including Lars von Trier, Michel Hazanavicius, Ben Wheatley, Brady Corbet, and Mona Fastvold. She first met Fastvold in 2015 while filming Corbet’s debut film, The Childhood of a Leader. Fastvold and Corbet often work with a consistent group of collaborators, referred to as a “troupe” in French.

Breaking Expectations

Martin expressed a desire to challenge audience expectations with her roles, stating, “No one would ever think of me to be in a musical,” and embracing the opportunity to subvert typecasting. She has actively sought out director-led projects in independent cinema since her breakout role in Nymphomaniac in 2013.

Expert Insight: Stacy Martin’s deliberate focus on independent cinema and director-driven projects suggests a prioritization of artistic vision and creative control over mainstream commercial appeal. This approach often allows actors greater freedom in role selection and collaboration with filmmakers who share similar artistic values.

Future Projects and Aspirations

Martin recently completed filming a studio adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, where she portrays Fanny Dashwood. She is also involved in The Queen of Fashion, a film about Isabella Blow, utilizing an archive of designer clothing lent by Daphne Guinness. Martin has expressed a desire to appear in a blockbuster film, specifically mentioning Jurassic Park as a childhood favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted Stacy Martin to visit a tea leaf reader?

Stacy Martin consulted a tea leaf reader after experiencing a persistent issue with a flickering lightbulb in her home, seeking insight into a possible explanation.

What is “The Testament of Ann Lee” about?

The Testament of Ann Lee is a musical film directed by Mona Fastvold that tells the story of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers, and her devotion to God, expressed through song and dance.

Who are some of the filmmakers Stacy Martin has collaborated with?

Stacy Martin has worked with filmmakers including Lars von Trier, Michel Hazanavicius, Ben Wheatley, Brady Corbet, and Mona Fastvold.

Given Stacy Martin’s commitment to independent cinema and collaborative filmmaking, what kind of stories do you anticipate she will be drawn to in the future?

‘I don’t want to do the same thing over and over’: Stacy Martin on risky roles, tequila at the Oscars and her Jurassic Park dream | Movies