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Interview: Amanda Burton
How did you become involved in this project?
Forgotten was presented to me by the drama department at LWT as a concept and I found it immediately intriguing and very powerful. I was completely led by the power of the piece and its dramatic potential. There are a lot of twists and turns; it has a dark undercurrent and that has made it a delight to be involved in.
After reading the script I was full of admiration for the writer, Caleb Ranson. What impresses me is that he doesn't bring an ego to his work and he really listens to other people. I respected him immediately -- he has a great ear -- each of his characters is so beautifully conceived. You couldn't interchange the dialogue and that's extremely rare.
So how would you describe Rachel Monroe?
Rachel can be mischievous -- it's very releasing for me to play that kind of role! She's potentially very dangerous too. You realize that although she can appear very fragile, she has an eagle's claw. She employs every side of her personality. She's quite an unbalanced character. She would have been a nice, warm, generous mother but her daughter's death deprives her of that and has also taken the attention away from her other child which is very sad. She's never been able to focus on anything else in her life.
I must admit that it's nice being a bit wicked or devilish as Rachel. I did a scene where I had to pour a cup of tea over a bed and I really enjoyed it! There is a lot about Rachel that I like, but I found I couldn't be objective about her while I was filming. I enjoy her mischief making and I like the way she uses everything she's got after what she's been through. But it's not a major consideration of mine whether I like her or not. I just hope that I've managed to wrangle every bit out of the role that I possibly can."
How did you retain your sense of perspective during such a gritty drama?
"I think you know what you're up against when you take on a piece that you know is going to involve dragging up a lot emotions, and this role has required a lot of me. You can end up being deeply immersed in gloom, but I've tried not to do that. I've slipped in and out of the role, and I feel that approach has been quite resourceful because it's similar to the way Rachel operates. Like quicksilver, her attitude changes very quickly, and I think that probably that side of her has rubbed off on me while I've been filming this.
How would you describe Forgotten?
It's a psychological thriller. It weaves an interesting web and lures you into a perfect idyll, but suddenly everything is disrupted. Rachel is like a cuckoo coming right into the nest. I think that's a bold move and very bold writing.
How did you develop your character?
I always start from scratch with a character -- they're never based on anyone else. You get ideas of what people look like, and I'm a great people watcher. You can draw inspiration from people. I like to think I'm a listener, and I'm fascinated by observing people -- I suppose you just lock that in. Being an actor is an extension of telling a story and I loved story telling as a child. Sometimes you have an idea of characters' energies. Rachel is quite predatory and feline. Ben, our director, is very organic and has encouraged us to bring our own ideas to it.
What was the most grueling aspect of filming?
We had to shoot a scene in a lake, and every ounce of my body did not want to have to get in the water. I have a complete phobia about putting my head under water. I've just about conquered the fear when I'm swimming in a pool, but this was different. It was dark, I had to be struggling, the water was heavy and filthy, with a green sludgy film over the top of it. I got terribly dizzy and didn't feel very well and we had to do lots of takes. It was really horrible -- I just hope it was worth it!
How do you decide which projects you'll work on?
I still love coming into work everyday after so many years working as an actress. I've been working more or less continuously and I find I have to really want to do the project to make it work because you have to put such an enormous amount of effort into it. It would show hugely if I didn't want to be somewhere. Doing what you want to do can only generate good energy.
"I think this is a very difficult job, especially for women -- there are too few roles around. I never let myself rest on my laurels. It's great if you really put a lot of work in to something and you get positive feedback. It is nice to be congratulated for your work and it still takes me by surprise!
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