Rose Byrne Discusses Her Golden Globes Win and the Powerful Emotion Behind ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’

Rose Byrne’s victory at the Golden Globes on Sunday night represents a pivotal moment not just for her, but also for writer-director Mary Bronstein and their collaborative film, *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*. In a cinematic landscape often dominated by male narratives, Bronstein’s work offers a nuanced exploration of a suburban mom, Linda (played by Byrne), whose life is unraveling in profound ways. The film opens with Linda at a breaking point, grappling with the challenges of caring for a daughter with a mysterious illness, evoking darkly comedic elements reminiscent of David Lynch’s *Eraserhead*.

Byrne’s portrayal invokes a tradition of strong, complex female characters, harkening back to the works of Barbara Loden and Gena Rowlands, who pushed the boundaries of women’s representation in cinema. As she describes it, Linda’s character embodies a simmering rage in the face of overwhelming isolation and frustration—a theme that resonates deeply in today’s societal climate.

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Speaking the day before her win, Byrne reflected on her journey with the film, nearly a year after its Sundance premiere.

DEADLINE: What were your initial thoughts upon receiving a script titled *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*? Did you have prior knowledge of Mary?

ROSE BYRNE: [Laughs.] No, I didn’t know Mary. The title was very intriguing; I went in with an open mind, thinking this would somehow make sense after reading it. It hints at a deep-seated fury within Linda’s character, even though she feels isolated and powerless. If she could act on this fury, I believe she would.

DEADLINE: How did you come across the script? Did Mary or your agent contact you?

BYRNE: My agent received it along with a letter from Mary and one from producer Josh Safdie. She encouraged me to read it, saying it really lit the page on fire. The script embodies the film’s tension, humor, and dark comedy. At times, I had to set it down because of its intensity. The structure is unpredictable and captivating, with a building sense of dread.

DEADLINE: How did you prepare for this challenging role?

BYRNE: Mary is a formidable presence. She wanted to rehearse, and I was thrilled that we had the chance to go through the script in detail. Over five weeks, we worked closely to delve into Linda’s backstory, despite the limited information provided in the script. We also spoke with mothers of children with special needs to better understand their experiences and challenges, which proved deeply moving.

DEADLINE: Is Mary featured in the film as well?

BYRNE: Yes, she plays Dr. Spring.

DEADLINE: Should we assign any particular significance to that?

BYRNE: [Laughs.] I’ll leave that for the audience to interpret. Mary’s casting choices are quite clever, especially considering Conan O’Brien portrays Linda’s therapist, offering a stark contrast to his usual roles. His character embodies contempt for Linda, highlighting her isolation.

DEADLINE: Tell me about your relationship with Danielle’s character in the film.

BYRNE: She’s brilliant! Many viewers were unsure if her character was real, which speaks to the film’s tension. Linda experiences a dissociation that represents her struggle to cope.

DEADLINE: How does the character of your husband play into the story?

BYRNE: Christian Slater, who plays my husband, primarily exists as a voice throughout the film, which creates an intriguing dynamic. His iconic voice makes viewers feel an immediate connection, even if his character feels distant.

DEADLINE: How does Mary’s background influence her direction?

BYRNE: Mary focuses on performance. She received pushback on making the character more likable, but she remained resolute, emphasizing Linda’s complexity and the story’s authenticity. The film’s ending leaves room for interpretation and evokes a sense of uncomfortable realism, particularly for female characters.

DEADLINE: It seems like Julia Roberts’ role in *After the Hunt* received less acknowledgment. What are your thoughts on the reception of “unlikable” characters?

BYRNE: Exactly. There have been many powerful performances featuring complex female characters this year. Mary challenges audiences to engage with uncomfortable situations, offering a thought-provoking cinematic experience.

DEADLINE: Comparisons with Gena Rowlands have emerged, particularly with *A Woman Under the Influence*. Do you consider Rowlands a standard for great acting?

BYRNE: She is a titan. The portrayal of women in crisis, particularly through performances like Rowlands’, remains groundbreaking. My character’s isolation and societal expectations resonate with the challenges many women face.

DEADLINE: You’ve taken on a diverse range of roles throughout your career. How do you choose your projects?

BYRNE: Comedy has always been a significant part of my work. It allows for exploration of different facets of performance.

DEADLINE: What motivated you to pursue acting from a young age?

BYRNE: I began acting at eight and landed my first job at thirteen after a casting agent saw me in a local theater class. Growing up as the youngest among four siblings, I was both shy and a bit of a performer, which set me on this path.

DEADLINE: Consistency in your career is notable, given that many young actors often take breaks. How have you navigated challenges?

BYRNE: [Laughs] There have definitely been crises! But I’ve stayed committed. As I transitioned into family life, my priorities shifted, yet I remain acutely aware of the unpredictability of this industry. Securing a role in Mary’s film was extraordinary; it pushed me as an actress in ways I hadn’t previously encountered.

DEADLINE: Many believe that comedy is the more challenging art form. What’s your take?

BYRNE: It’s true. As Seth Rogen pointed out, while there’s a consensus on what’s sad, humor varies widely in perception. That subjectivity adds complexity to comedic performances, but the skills needed for dramatic roles equally present challenges.

DEADLINE: Any hidden gems from your past works you’d like to share?

BYRNE: [Laughs.] Yes! *Spy* has gained a lovely following—it’s a hilarious film that deserves more recognition. I also enjoyed working on *The Tenants* alongside Snoop Dogg.

DEADLINE: Should people watch these movies as a lighter fare after *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*?

BYRNE: Absolutely! They’re perfect for decompressing, particularly *Spy*.