Describe your personal experience working on La Bella Figura?

I was really excited when Harry asked me to do this project. I have been lucky with the life I have had these past two years and know eventually that all good things come to an end. So, my music and voice was put on the back burner to enjoy la dolce vita for a while. When Harry asked me I was happy just to be singing again although the voice felt a little rough. But mostly, I believed in what he was filming. And when Harry told me he was shooting in black and white in some of my favorite places in Rome, there was no way I couldn't have been a part of this.

Doing a film was new for me and it was a little more difficult then live acting. Live acting allows you to get into your character and experience everything the character does on stage in the moment. But because the film was shot slightly out of order and it was my first time, it was difficult to get into character right away. You have to know exactly what is going on during that scene and what has happened up to that point.

For example, the first thing we shot was the singing scene right after Clara finds out she is pregnant and she is crying (although the preceding scene in the bathroom when she finds out was shot later). Chronologically, these two scenes for me were supposed to be seconds apart in the movie but were weeks apart filming.

I was so uncomfortable crying. We tried onions (which didn't work) and eye drops. I wished the crying scene that was shot first was one of the last scenes so that I had more experience and was used to the camera and the process to help me with that scene. But unfortunately we were on a tight schedule and our pianist had to leave.

What other stories can you recount from the working process?

One of my favorite stories from this film was finding the gypsy boys and listening to them play. If you are walking on the side of the street in Rome, you might see some of these boys who look so tough or bored playing their instruments. But on this day they were all so excited and curious about the camera and really in the end, acted like any school boy. They reminded me of my year teaching elementary. I was a music teacher and saw every child in the school twice a week. What I loved about teaching was the same thing I saw in those boys that day. I still see one or two of them on the streets playing their instruments and I always shout out "ciao stelle." And they remember who I am and ask when the movie will be out. They really got me excited and more curious about them and their culture.

I also have to say the Borghese park scene was absolutely breathtaking. And then the scene where Clara is talking in Italian in the park, I think to myself, was I really speaking? What the hell was I saying? Well I hope it made sense... I also remember the enormous amounts of pollution I inhaled the day we did the motto scene with the smokey motto. (LOL) We must of circled the Tiber at least 20 times? Or the dinner scene with Oliver. I started the scene really hungry, but after 2 plates of prociutto and melon, a salad and numerous cappuccinos, I was ready to push back on the Italian food for a while.

How are you expecting the film to turn out?

Really, I have no idea. The backdrops and scenic shots were amazing. I really can't see the big picture. I saw a few scenes from other actors and thought they did a great job but really couldn't judge myself. I would have to wait and see it all together.

But Harry proved to be really knowledgeable and direct. He knew what he wanted and what he was looking for. He was so busy doing everything but when he turned to you, to talk to you about your part, his focus came together and he was so articulate with his words, you knew exactly what he wanted. That made things easier.

Tell me about Harry - what was he like to work with? (in any capacity: actor, director, writer…)

That man is a multi-tasker. I was amazed with how much he was dealing with and how he managed to keep his cool throughout most of the film, considering the stress! I was especially impressed because I really thought that some people didn't come through with their responsibilities to him, and he had a few extra things he had to do, but kept the whole film together. Though he was busy, when he finally came around to focusing on the task that was in front of him, it was always 120% . The only thing I think that suffered was the amount of time I got to rehearse with him playing opposite. He was very tight on time. I remember us walking to a scene 10 minutes before filming and going over our lines. As the actress playing his opposite, I would have liked more quality time from Harry the actor.

As a performer, I have met a lot of people who are more passionate and emotional then anything else. And of course one needs that as an artist, BUT it can get in the way of creating a successful production. Harry finds that balance in his work to put his dreams in motion. I was surprised to know that Harry (at 22) was so young when I met him.

And Ede the cameraman?

Really, Ede has a talent. I had the chance of getting to know him and seeing some of his pictures and watch him working with the camera. When I observed him, I literally saw his ideas popping into his head. I was waiting for a light bulb to appear over his head. I would see him look at a scene and within seconds see him visualizing angles or shots. He sees things that the a normal person might miss. I was very impressed.

Do you want to pursue acting as a result of the project?

I have always wanted pursue acting. It seems acting comes more naturally then singing. Maybe that is because I have had less training in it I am not so worried about all the things I know I am doing wrong. But, I think I just love being a part of a collaboration of art and energy.

You share many similarities to your character, you are really an opera singer and an ex-pat, and now you are even an expectant mum! Is that bizarre for you? How do you reflect on those similarities?

I never thought it was bizarre. Harry and I talked about this before he made the movie. There were some people who felt this hit too close to home, but I was more in agreement with Harry. You can find these situations and characters that he wrote in every country and time period around the world. That was the point of it.

I think Clara was quite a different character then who I really am. Harry wrote her more unsettled, more explosive and immature then I feel I am. I think Harry and I felt the same by giving Clara her singing voice as an emotional outlet but she really didn't deal with her problems on a whole and left them to rise inside her. Maybe, she was me several years back. She is still searching and remains optimistic. This is where we share similarities.

I hear amazingly that elements of the story have come true in real life?

It has been slightly bizarre becoming pregnant a few months later! First off, because I had an appointment at a fertility clinic in the US this winter that I really thought I was infertile. Second, because I just finished filming this movie. But weirdly yes, although Clara and myself are very different characters… some of the scenes have come to life!...

I remember helping a friend several months ago in my bathroom when she took her pregnancy test there and found it was positive. I really used her experience for my own when I had to shoot the pregnancy scene in that same bathroom. AND it was that SAME BATHROOM where I took my pregnancy test and found it to be positive. Now that is just bizarre. Anybody? Don't take any prego tests in that bathroom if you want the test to come out negative. LOL.

How would you describe your character?

Clara seems to be a runner. When she is upset she can't deal with the emotions or face them, she physically leaves. Instead of dealing with problems directly or quickly she keeps it inside her until she explodes. I interpreted her becoming an ex-pat in this way. Maybe she didn't deal with her problems back home so she left them on the other side of the ocean.

The phrase La Bella Figura: what does that mean to you?

This phrase means so much to me. First of all, it’s literal meaning which is the beautiful figure. That reminds me of the photos Oliver took of Clara on the Spanish Steps when that line [fai una bella figura] is said to Clara. I remember how I felt that day and how I looked.

Although my character was supposed to be annoyed, I remember between takes, thinking how wonderful my life is to be sitting here soaking up the sun in Italy with my friends, working on something I love, and feeling like una bella figura. That moment is when I felt like this is what Italians specialize in. The good life. They know they have it and resist any change to leading any other life that alters the one they have. Who can blame them? Which leads me to the phrase "Fai una bella figura", make a good impression of yourself. I think Harry really tried to capture this in his movie. I always think of Italian tour guides when I think of the resistance to change in this country. I realize that the country wouldn't have some of its traditions and culture without resisting to change, but the country and system is suffering on so many levels we don't see if we are not living there.

Really, I think the film addresses the Italian system and its results. Mainly that the Italians might seem to have the right outlook on life from the outside, but which also leads to issues that they are not dealing with.

How do you identify with the way ex-pats were described in the film? (What did you think about how they were represented?)

I felt Harry keyed in on a specific type of ex-pat. And for the type of ex-pat he described, he did well. I identified with this type because I feel I know a lot of these types of people. However, there is an entire different world of ex-pats who are older or not in a transitional period in their life.

What do you think happened to Clara and Oliver in the end?

Clara hooked up with the Italian who gave her the job. They got married, moved to the States, opened a Thai restaurant and adopted babies from all over the world. Oliver struggled with his photography for many years before he gave it up and became England's most famous dog whisperer.
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Describe your personal experience of working on La Bella Figura?

For me working on this film was exciting and invigorating because it was a completely new experience for me. I had done theatre before but had never worked in front of a camera and it was completely different. The energy of the cast and crew was unique and fun, especially because we are all friends and have lived through some of these same experiences together.

My role, although small, served to tie the film together in a way because the joke that I tell, stretched out in little pieces throughout the film, is a commentary on so many different cultures. Although it plays to the stereotypes of different nations, it nevertheless provides a slice of insight into different people. When you live abroad, you are always more likely to encounter people from different cultures and the joke is a reminder of that.

The phrase La Bella Figura: what does that mean to you?

La Bella Figura means 'a good impression'. How you appear on the outside, how lovely and perfect you can make your life seem to others, when really you have problems and sorrows, just like everyone else.

This is the way life in Italy is conducted. It doesn't matter what is happening in your personal or professional life, you will always smile and let others believe everything is fine. This impression of prosperity, respect, happiness, beauty etc, is almost more important than having the real thing.

What is it like living as an expat in Italy?

It is often difficult being an ex-pat in Italy, because no matter what you do, no matter how long you live here, how well you speak the language, how much you assimilate yourself, you will never be an Italian. And you will never be completely accepted. Italians have very strong close relationships that last lifetimes. The friends of an old man are very likely to be the friends he had as a five year old. Therefore it can be very difficult to penetrate this society, and it takes time and persistence to make close Italian friends. However, Italians often admire and appreciate us ex-pats because of our bravery, our independence, and our willingness to venture out of our comfort zones just for the chance to live in the place that we feel is the greatest, most beautiful on earth. Often our enthusiasm and love of their country and culture makes them appreciate a bit more what they were lucky enough to be born into.

What was Harry like to work with?

Working with Harry was a great pleasure, mostly because of his enthusiasm. Harry is so excited and passionate about what he is doing that it is impossible not to be affected by it. He transmitted his vision and love for this project to every one of us, and I think we all performed better because of it. Almost every one of us was working in our free time for no pay...why? Because we believed in Harry's vision and we wanted to help him realize it. He also was very humble as a writer and wanted all of us to give our feedback on the script, because all of us have personal experience with the issues it contains. It was very impressive to see him take on so many challenges, as a writer, director, and leading actor. What was even more amazing was that this is his first film! Seeing Harry and Ede work together it was instantly apparent their mutual admiration and respect for each other's talent and skill. They each brought different things to the table, and melded their talents to become a daunting team. Of course, as good friends, it was also fun to see them laugh joke around with each other, which of course only improved the atmosphere of the whole production.
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What was your personal experience of working on La Bella Figura?

It was a wonderful experience for me. I have always been interested in theater/acting/films, and La Bella Figura gave me an opportunity to see how several elements of film come together.

How are you expecting the film to turn out?

These scenes I saw where shot beautifully, and Rome is very photogenic city. However, it always comes down to the editing process, and if the visual integrity of the movie is able to convey it’s message to the audience.

Do you want to pursue acting as a result of the project?

I would love to pursue acting, even if only as a hobby. The project only solidified my genuine interest in the field, but the reality of supporting oneself full time seems daunting.

The experience opened my eyes to how long it takes to shoot what were seemingly very short scenes. I enjoyed the small crew atmosphere because it aloud me to help out in several aspects of filming, something an actor might not get a chance doing in a larger production. Hopefully, the experience I’ve gained here will inspire me to seek out other projects.

The phrase La Bella Figura: what does that mean to you?

La Bella Figura is a way of life, a way of living which says, no matter how rough the world is or how bad circumstances may be, it can’t show on the surface of your life. Obviously, everything in life is a trade off, and way of living is no different. In some ways it is a great way to live, and in other ways, it causes tremendous problems.

Every culture has some unique philosophy, and I certainly think La Bella Figura is unique to Italy. It says Italy has had a long and tumultuous history… sometimes very powerful, other times very weak. I think the philosophy has developed out of a pride and a desire to encapsulate all that is good about it’s past. No matter what the situation is today, they are always trying to live up to their prior glory.

What do you think is the message or the point of the film?

To me, the message of the film is, “Find the joy in your life where you are; no one has it as good as it seems.” For some reason, there is a sense of magic and longing surrounding ex-patriots leaving their comfortable surroundings for unknown adventure. This is particularly true in places like France or Italy, where an old world lifestyle seems to speak to the core of most people. But unfortunately, one cannot run from oneself, and the issues surrounding life in general will always follow you no matter where you roam.

What was it like working with Harry and Ede?

Harry is an extremely ambitious and focused person. I was amazed by his ability to organize, write, direct and produce his vision. I was also amazed by his abilities to gather creative people/energy and reign it all in to his vision.

Ede was first and foremost a professional. He was a pleasure to work with, and he made the more difficult times fun with his easy going personality. I certainly hope he continues working in the same field, especially if I have the opportunity to work with him in the future. Together they worked quite well. I never noticed any problems other than tiredness of working long hours.

How accurately do you feel Italian culture was portrayed in the film?

On a stereotypical level, quite accurately, but that is how stereotypes develop in the first place. Having spent four years in Italy, I can now see what seems so strange and unfathomable from the outside, is really just a different way of living life.

Can you describe the relationship between ex-pats and Italians, and the challenges faced by the ex-pats?

It is the same reasons making it difficult to be an ex-pat in any culture… one brings their own way of living with them. I think ex-pats are drawn to a particular culture for what they perceive is a better way of life. Yet in any culture, I think it is the ex-pats ability to incorporate into the society that helps offset these challenges.
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What was it like to organise a film in Rome?

Well, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Trying to get the day to day tasks completed on a daily basis is a challenge for anyone who lives in this city, so making a film here was a BIG challenge.

The phrase La Bella Figura: what does that mean to you?

La Bella Figura means, to me, the concept of giving the impression that everything is alright, even if what lies beneath is of a darker significance. The image, this idea that as long as you are appearing beautiful and happy, then all is ok, and all will be ok.

I would say that the message of the film is that, whilst the idea of La Bella Figura for some may be great for a while, but will not necessarily lead to lasting happiness. Whilst living abroad, meeting new people, La Bella Figura does exist, but will it last? The idea that living abroad will give you opportunities, but that its ultimately a dream world. One where you can escape your realities, but only momentarily. Is this a good thing? And can it realistically be permanent?

My character was not that disimilar to my own character. She is a girl trying to meet new acquaintances and enjoy her life abroad. Her thoughts are quite idealistic.

Harry and Ede were both a pleasure to work with. Harry because he had a strong and clear vision of what he wanted and what style of film he wanted to create, which helped the actors too. Ede the cameraman was very professional and has a great eye for design and where a good shot may be.

Italians do seem to be a bit baffled by the expat community here in Rome. I would say that the culture differences is reflected in the sense that Italians keep themselves to themselves and that they don’t branch out so much to the expat community. And vice versa the expat community is small and they do stick together and discuss things over tea and maybe dream of peanut butter in a way that an Italian might not altogether comprehend.
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