In the past year, actress Naomie Harris has gone from the periphery of fame to worldwide recognition. Harris graces the cover of Red magazine’s February 2014 issue and opens up about playing Winnie Mandela in film, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
Harris, 37, was best known as fearsome sea goddess Tia Dalma in the Pirates Of The Caribbean films, and as the field agent who almost kills James Bond in Skyfall.In her interview she reflects on the emotional toll playing such a monumental role as Winnie Mandela.
“It was only when I did my research that I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, what the hell have I signed up to?”’ she admitted. “She is the most complex woman I have ever played. To many, she is a saint, she’s Mother Africa, you know? To others, she is completely vilified. The pressure of all those expectations, especially filming in South Africa, was a lot. I definitely understand why she became the woman she did. In the same situation, I don’t know how I would react.”
It was, she says, her most emotionally exhausting role. “It meant inhabiting places I try never to go, like revenge, hatred and rage,” she said. “I don’t hate anyone, and I’m really not a vengeful person, but I found it really difficult to switch off. Even after I stopped filming, it took me a while to shake her.”
Making the film had a profound effect on the actress. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of one of the greatest inspirational leaders of our time,’”she told CNN as Red was going to press. ‘Too often violence and oppression lead to further violence and retribution. Mandela taught us to fight back with peace. I am very proud to be part of our tribute to this extraordinary man.’
Director Justin Chadwick confirms the intensity of what the actress went through for the role. “Naomie had to walk into real environments and speak from the heart in front of huge crowds,” he explains. ‘These weren’t extras, but real people from Soweto and Kliptown who continue to live through the struggle. Those reactions from the crowds are real. It takes courage to do that. Although Naomie is gentle and has great subtlety to her performance, she also has huge determination and toughness. And I knew there would be a raw intensity and chemistry with [costar]Idris [Elba]. Those two are electric. You dream of catching that as a director.”
The actress talks about meeting Elba, who she describes as “just too gorgeous.”
‘The first thing Idris said to me was, ‘Woah, what have we done? This is terrifying, isn’t it?’ It really put me at ease,” she says, with an audible sigh of relief. “We held each other’s hands through the whole process.”
Harris appears to be optimistic about her future. “I hope to be even more appreciative of life: the challenges, as well as the good things, because they make you into a better person. And I hope to continue to create great material for women,” she says, with a big smile.
Her interview will be in the February 2014 Issue of Red magazine.
