EMILY BLUNT - HIGHER POWER INTERVIEW
By Lincoln D. Conway

Emily Blunt's easy-going approach to acting has been critical to her success and enduring appeal in Hollywood. Known for her infectious smile and a demeanor that doesn't get overly entangled in the highs and lows of a sometimes-fractious industry, the Brit has enjoyed a robust career characterized by versatility and compelling performances.

Her ability to seamlessly transition between diverse film genres has been showcased in dynamic roles across films like Edge of Tomorrow, Looper, The Adjustment Bureau, The Devil Wears Prada, and Mary Poppins Returns, within which she has tended to portray strong, determined women with depth and conviction.

She shares a celebrated life off-screen with her husband, actor and director John Krasinski. Their partnership extends beyond their personal life into their professional world, where they have collaborated on highly successful projects—most notably, the critically acclaimed horror film A Quiet Place and its sequel.

The power couple balances their Hollywood life with raising daughters Hazel and Violet, grounding their high-profile existence in solid family values.

Currently, Blunt is garnering attention for her role in the new film The Fall Guy, yet another testament to her ability to choose diverse and challenging roles and continue pushing the boundaries of her craft.

Her performance is adding another illustrious chapter to her already impressive career.

STRIPLV: Although this reimaging of the 1980s television show The Fall Guy is reviving it from 40 years ago, it's not a lazy, unimaginative rehash.
BLUNT: No, I wouldn't say that at all. It's about trying to breathe new life into a good story and something which was successful in the past, bringing it to the big screen in a loose connection with the original series and seeing what people think. It's important not to hurry something valuable. The industry often moves quickly to capitalize on successful ideas, but it's remarkable how The Fall Guy has remained untouched for so long.
STRIPLV: Yes, it was almost completely forgotten.
BLUNT: I would say that with a lot of stunt-based films and action movies never seeming to be unpopular, a revival of The Fall Guy has been overdue, but today's era is more thoughtful. We now aim to honor and expand upon characters and ideas, rather than just updating them with the latest technology. Nowadays, moviegoers seek deeper experiences. This is why I'm thrilled about this project. It features numerous impressive stunts, and being part of this project with Ryan (Gosling), Hannah (Waddingham), Aaron (Taylor-Johnson), and the rest of the cast was a fantastic opportunity that we all grasped.
STRIPLV: Do you feel better about the film industry in light of it seeming to clean up its act over the past few years, not to mention a general shift towards fair casting of roles?
BLUNT: I do think we're in a better place, yes. The #MeToo movement and all that went with it prompted a necessary and critical re-evaluation of the entertainment world, highlighting the harmful environments that women often navigated. It was a stark reminder of the systemic issues that many, including myself, have had to overcome. The ongoing change certainly fuelled my confidence for a more equitable and safe future for women in this field, and I think we are seeing that play out.
STRIPLV: Was inequality something you detected when you started?
BLUNT: Not really – I was far too obsessed with my own rather obvious failings. I was a stuttering 12-year-old filled with nerves and uncertainty about the future, and what was holding me back was undoubtedly me, not anyone else. I think people need to empower themselves to achieve because no amount of equity and equal opportunity will help you if you haven't got the honesty to look at your own faults.
STRIPLV: You've spoken about how becoming a mother made you more cautious about working on specific projects. Do you still feel that way?
BLUNT: Not really, since I've definitely become more daring in my choices. I enjoy diversifying my roles, playing varied characters to keep audiences intrigued and avoid being pigeonholed into a single type of role. When the time is right I want my children to look back over the work I've done and be proud of me. I don't want them to think I took the easy option; otherwise, what sort of example is that to set for them?
STRIPLV: Do you have a strategy for the future?
BLUNT: God, no! You might say my strategy is not to have a strategy. For me, it's all about the script and the character, and beyond that, the director and producer, and perhaps the filming location. (Laughs)
STRIPLV: Do you and your husband often discuss each of your projects or do you try to keep your careers separate?
BLUNT: In recent times we've engaged in each other's projects and decision-making. Beyond that, we frequently collaborate during our film preparation processes. I sometimes find it challenging to determine my approach to a character while preparing for a role. Although this process is intensely personal, having someone at home who truly grasps the intricacies of the industry and can empathise with my concerns is incredibly helpful.
STRIPLV: Is John good in the house?
BLUNT: Indeed, ever since our first daughter arrived, we've maintained a high level of organisation in our family life. This was especially true when our children were younger, with John excelling in tasks like bottle washing and ensuring we always had a fresh supply of milk in the fridge for the next day. Now that our children are nine and seven years old, his role has evolved, but his caring nature remains constant. He's an incredibly attentive and loving father, always involved and responsive to our children's needs as they grow and their needs change. His dedication to our family is something I deeply admire.
STRIPLV: Has your perspective changed now that you have a family?
BLUNT: Becoming a mother transforms you in numerous profound ways. The joy and fulfillment that come from caring for your children and having them as a constant presence in your life is unparalleled. While I cherish my career in acting and the experiences I gain on film sets, I equally adore my home life with my husband and daughters. It's a wonderful balance, offering the best of both worlds.
STRIPLV: You seem very grounded. Is any of that based in faith?
BLUNT: Well, my upbringing wasn't rooted in any religious traditions. My parents didn't attend church or any religious services. My closest encounter with religion was through a dear friend from a Catholic background. As a child, I would occasionally spend Saturday nights at her place, which meant attending church with her family on Sundays. To be honest, those experiences never resonated with me. I felt out of place, almost like an imposter, especially at the young age of seven or eight, without any personal connection or interest in the religious practices. However, I do hold onto the idea that there might be some sort of higher power or unknown energy out there. It's a concept I'm open to, acknowledging that there's so much we don't understand. This uncertainty, this 'we don't know for sure' aspect, is something I find intriguing and choose to embrace. While I'm not dedicated to any specific religious practice, I often find myself sending positive thoughts into the universe, hoping to influence outcomes in a way. It's not exactly praying to a deity but more of a general practice of hoping and being thankful. This approach has been a part of my life, especially in moments when I've desired to see certain things manifest, though not in a traditional religious sense.
STRIPLV: How do you feel that you are often in the Best Dressed pages, and you've become a bit of a style icon?
BLUNT: You might have a different opinion if you saw me in my home environment. It would be quite amusing if actresses were captured in their everyday home settings. Here I am, considered a style icon, yet often lounging in worn-out Ugg boots at home. Naturally, for occasions like this, including red-carpet events, there's an expectation to elevate your style game.
STRIPLV: Is the fear still there? Jennifer Aniston said even now she still gets scared sometimes and wants to throw up before a red carpet event, even though she comes across as supremely confident. How is it for you?
BLUNT: I approach all of that with a bit of scepticism. There's definitely a moment of nervousness that churns in your stomach right when you're stepping out of the car. It can be quite daunting, almost like stepping into a battleground. However, you gradually become accustomed to it. Invariably, the event concludes with me ditching my high heels. I often find myself walking up the driveway barefoot because I simply can't stand wearing heels all day.
STRIPLV: How do you keep fit? Are you conscious about working out, dieting, and other such activities?
BLUNT: Yes, I consider myself quite balanced in my approach. I'm not a fan of extreme dieting or cleansing regimes. Truthfully, I've never tried them, so I can't exactly criticize them, but if I go back to my experience during The Adjustment Bureau, that was intense. It was like an endurance challenge, with two hours daily in the gym, another two in a dance studio, and strict dieting for about eight weeks continuously. I committed to this in my time off-set, before and after work, even on my days off, because I was portraying a dancer. When you commit to a role, you have to embrace every aspect of it, and that's what I did, much to the amusement of my director. He pointed out my lack of dancing skills, and he was right. He insisted I needed to learn, and he was right about that, too.
STRIPLV: Will you ever consider going back to small films like My Summer of Love?
BLUNT: I get asked about this, but I do small movies all the time. It's just that when you do a small movie, no one sees it.
STRIPLV: Do you find that people still identify you with your role in The Devil Wears Prada?
BLUNT: Probably, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I owe so much to that film and the reaction that people had to my work. The worst thing is if people would think I'm like that in real life which I'm definitely not. I like to think I have a good sense of humor, and when people meet me and then talk about me afterward, I hope they'll say that I'm funny and pleasant to be around. I'd be mortified if anyone ever thought I was arrogant or standoffish.



BEING BLUNT

To celebrate the London actress receiving her first Oscar nod for her role in Oppenheimer, here are the other occasions on which Emily Blunt has been nominated for major awards.

Emily Blunt's remarkable versatility and depth as an actress have been consistently recognized across various roles, earning her nominations in some of the most prestigious award ceremonies worldwide.

Her portrayal in Oppenheimer as Kitty, J. Robert Oppenheimer's wife, received critical acclaim, securing her Best Supporting Actress nominations at the Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and the Golden Globes.

It exhibited Blunt's ability to deliver powerful performances in complex narratives, further establishing her as a force within the industry.

Her role in The Girl On The Train demonstrated her compelling capability to lead a film, earning her a Best Leading Actress nomination at the 2017 BAFTAs. This performance was a tour de force, capturing the essence of her character's turmoil and resilience with breathtaking authenticity.

Similarly, her work in The Devil Wears Prada provided an early glimpse of her talent in a supporting role, earning her another BAFTA nomination in 2006 and setting the stage for this distinguished career.

The 41-year-old's foray into musicals and comedies has been equally impressive, with nominations for her roles in Mary Poppins Returns, Into The Woods, and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen at the Golden Globes.

Each role highlighted her dynamic range and ability to inject warmth and depth into her characters, captivating audiences and critics alike.

Finally, Blunt's portrayal in The Young Victoria as a lead actress in a motion picture drama at the Golden Globes displayed her exceptional ability to embody historical figures, bringing to life the intricacies and challenges of Queen Victoria's early reign with grace and nuance.

These nominations across such varied roles and genres accentuate her remarkable talent and contribution to cinema.