Jennifer Lawrence Talks About Her Most Challenging Film Preparation — and It’s Not From Hunger Games
Jennifer Lawrence in a ‘Red Sparrow’ scene (2018).
Credit: Murray Close/Twentieth Century Fox
Jennifer Lawrence Reflects on Her Most Challenging Role in "Red Sparrow"
In a recent onstage Q&A at the 92NY Kaufmann Concert Hall in New York City, Jennifer Lawrence revealed that her role in the 2018 film Red Sparrow was the most challenging preparation she has encountered in her career. The Oscar-winning actress discussed this during an event on January 7, where she engaged with moderator Josh Horowitz and an audience eager to learn about her experiences.
"Well, I mean, technically speaking, Red Sparrow, because I had to learn a Russian accent," Lawrence, 35, explained, highlighting the unique demands of the role. In this psychological thriller, she plays Dominika Egorova, a former Russian ballerina who is transformed into a skilled spy.
Her commitment to authenticity extended beyond mastering the accent. Lawrence spent significant time training her body for the ballet scenes, which were integral to her character’s development. "Part of preparing for Dominika was the physical training with the ballet," she shared in a featurette included in the movie’s home release. This preparation, she noted, was a constant focus throughout her engagement with the script.
Lawrence’s rigorous regimen included working six days a week for three hours daily with associate choreographer Kurt Froman. In addition to ballet training, she also underwent a strict diet to embody the character effectively. "Lawrence also reluctantly dieted to portray Dominika — the former ballerina forced to enter Sparrow School, a government program that trains her to be a deadly agent for espionage."
Reflecting on this experience, Lawrence stated, "Red Sparrow was the first time that I was really hungry, and disciplined," emphasizing the mental and physical challenges she faced. She also mentioned that she filmed the dance scenes first to allow her to return to her regular eating habits during the remainder of the filming. "I can’t work on a diet. I’m hungry. I’m standing on my feet. I need more energy," she explained, underscoring the physical demands of her performance.
As Lawrence continues to navigate her successful career, her preparation for Red Sparrow stands as a testament to her dedication to her craft and her ability to tackle complex roles in an ever-evolving film industry.
