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“I tried to make my character as believable as possible,” says Jessica Haines who takes on the role of ‘disgraced’ Professor David Lurie’s daughter - Lucy. “I had to search deep within myself for this incredibly complex individual to emerge. The contrast had to be highlighted between her vulnerability and the harshness of the situation which she faces. I wanted to add some colour to the character.”
Although the book and the film are not exactly the same, the latter captures the essence of the tale. However, rather than a harsh ending it leaves the viewer with a semblance of hope.
For Jessica, who makes her début on the big screen, this was an opportunity in a million. ‘I live for the moment and had not planned to go into film. It just kind of happened … life took me there.’
It was not an easy road, however, as there were three sets of interviews and she was an ‘unknown’ entity. But, how did she actually get the opportunity?
Born in Umtata in 1978, Jessica knows all about country life as her family had a farm cottage on KZN’s Wild Coast. She attended Epworth, a boarding school for girls, and matriculated in 1997 with a “keen interest in arts, English and drama”.
A degree in literature at the University of Cape Town followed as well as involvement in theatre. This led to roles in industrial as well as children’s theatre “to make ends meet”. She then moved to Johannesburg to “break into more commercial ventures” which resulted in roles on ‘Isidingo’, ‘Home Affairs’ and ‘Crossroads’ to name but some.
“One of my lecturers found me my first job – and that started the process,” she says.”A love for the arts is in your fibre and studying connects you.”
It was her agent in Johannesburg who submitted her portfolio for the role in ‘Disgrace’… and the rest is history!
The road ahead
“LA is not my scene,” she says with a smile. “I go to New York in September and I will have to be careful not to get sucked in.”
According to Jessica Hollywood is a roller coaster ride. “The ego is always bruised. You get picked up, dropped down and then lifted up again – it can lead to bitter disappointment. But, I know I’m on the right path – acting is what I’m supposed to do … at the moment any way … I’ll see where this leads... one step at a time.”
Well, it has already led to a six-part scifi project (shot in Namibia) with Ian McKellen as well as a British and American cast.
Keep an eye on Jessica – this is yet another South African actress who is going to take the cinematic world by storm!
Review of 'Disgrace' http://www.goingplacessa.com/article_detail.asp?Article_ID=1852 |
