Natasha Bassett on Elvis, Hail Caesar & Her Dream Director
Actress Natasha Bassett is in the movie everyone is talking about, Elvis by Baz Luhrmann. Our Deputy Editor Gina Tonic, had the pleasure of chatting with Natasha about everything Elvis, playing real people and her dream director to work with.
I can’t believe it’s been 6 years since Hail Caesar came out. What was it like being in such an iconic film with arguably two of the most famous directors in the world?
The Coen Bros have this unique ability to make the darkest stuff funny. Their projects often end up being references for what I write. So, it was very cool to see what pros they are on set. They complemented each other so well. The best part was hanging out with them during ADR because they told me to scream out all these swear words in Latin.
Your new project, Elvis, with Baz Luhrmann is another iconic real life role from the past - what draws you to playing real people?
You have more of a responsibility to the person you’re playing when they’re not fictional. It’s an honor to voice someone else’s story, particularly when they are still alive. I had the fortune of having dinner with Dixie, the woman I play, in Memphis. She was so funny and sweet. Hearing her stories gave me a lot of real-life material that you just can’t make up. My favorite story was when she pretended to call her parents in front of Elvis to act like she had their permission to spend more time with him at the skating rink one night — when she really didn’t. Her parents didn’t even have a phone. Romantically, it was their first date and she didn’t want it to end.
And how has it been working with Baz Luhrmann, was it nice to work with a fellow Australian?
I grew up watching Baz’s movies. As a kid, I never would have thought I’d end up actually being in one. I love how supportive Baz is of Australian talent and crew. I think we all share a solid work ethic and that shows up on the screen. Baz pays huge attention to every tiny detail and makes everyone on the set feel as important as each other. As an aspiring director, I loved watching him orchestrate massive moving parts with confident ease and how he’d jump in amongst the extras to make sure each and every person knew why they were there.
Elvis is a notoriously controversial figure, does the film address his negative aspects as well as his legacy?
The film sheds light on Elvis’ epic journey through the cosmos all the way to his death. It explores why it was almost inevitable that he ended up facing tragedy. He certainly had his flaws and I’m glad we see them in the film. We’re all flawed and it would be boring if we were just plain good all the time. The cool thing about Elvis was his crazy generosity. He gave everything to his fans, he used to say “My fans want my shirt, they can have my shirt - they put it on my back.”
“Women are using their voices so much more now. When it comes to TV, women have made enormous progress, but it’s coming from a low starting point.”
How does it feel playing so many characters involved in showbiz, as someone who has been involved in the scene from very young?
It’s a little strange because I never would’ve thought I’d end up in this business growing up. I started doing theater at 14, but before that I was so painfully shy, I barely spoke. When I started acting, it kind of blew my family’s mind and nobody really got it. They always thought I’d end up doing something in the math/science world and didn’t take it seriously. Although, somehow, I’ve felt compelled to tell these stories. People in the entertainment industry have bizarre lives that are out of the realm of “normal” and I enjoy exploring anything that isn’t classified as normal.
Are there big differences in how the media works now or is there a universality to how women are treated and have been treated in this industry?
Women are using their voices so much more now. When it comes to TV, women have made enormous progress, but it’s coming from a low starting point. During the 50s, when the Elvis story begins, women were in very narrowly defined roles. They were firmly placed in the domestic sphere, talking about cleaning and housework like they were solving the major problems of the world. Women are now the protagonists and won’t just be there to serve a man’s story or fill in the background. And that’s certainly reflected in the media. I don’t think it’s a matter of men vs women or vice versa, but should be about men and women sharing the space. This space is still predominately powered by men, but progress will continue and I’m excited to be a part of that.
What else is next for you, career wise? Who would be your next dream director to work with and what kinds of projects are you looking to take on?
I love anything that’s a challenge and makes me see the world differently. I have written a dark comedy series that I want to make next. It’s about a girl living a double-life in an airport in Reno. It’s quirky and fun and partly based on my life. Fargo is a big reference for this one. I would love to work with the Coens again as well as Jane Campion. I’ve always dreamt of working with David Lynch too. I love his book, “Catching The Big Fish”, which talks about transcendental meditation giving him the space and ideas for films. If I could go to the bottom of the ocean with Lynch and swim around in his world of weirdness and mysterious consciousness, catching fish, my life would be complete. Metaphorically, of course… but I’d be down for either.
Words: Gina Tonic | Photography: Eric Fisher
