COLLINS. Evolving relationship with her dad. photo by ruben v. nepales
LOS ANGELES—Lily Collins dismissed talk of rivalry between her and Kristen Stewart in our recent interview. The two actresses star in competing “Snow White” movies, with Lily’s “Mirror, Mirror” being released earlier this month.
Tarsem Singh directs “Mirror, Mirror” with Armie Hammer, Julia Roberts, Nathan Lane and Sean Bean. In our conversation, the daughter of singer Phil Collins talked about Julia, her thoughts about a singing career and growing up with a famous last name.
Did you have a chance to talk to Kristen Stewart about her other Snow White movie?
Yes. We’re friends. It’s funny because in the beginning, everyone was saying, “They’re rivals. They’re competing.” I just laughed at that. We were like, ‘This is so funny that we’re considered rivals, whereas the true story couldn’t be more different. The advertising campaigns prove that the films are so different—the tone, characters, and even the costumes. I’m so excited to see her version, to see how they’ve played with it. I’ve met with that director (Rupert Sanders). I know that he has a totally different vision. I think Kristen’s the same way. We both pretty much laughed at all the rumors.
Leading a privileged life probably presented its own set of challenges to you.
I realize that when I walk into a place, some people have a preconceived notion of this young girl who looks even younger than her actual age. I will be 23 soon, but sometimes people ask, ‘Are you 14 or 15?’ It’s just making sure that I’m able to walk in a room, and people see one thing. And, when I leave, they think differently. Having people think that you have an upper hand almost gives you a harder time trying to overcome that.
Talk about working with the “Evil Queen,” Julia Roberts.
What I love most about Julia is that she’s first and foremost a mother, on and off the set. Her kids were on the set all the time. She was able to maintain that sense of being a mother, as well as the evil queen—which are polar opposites. She plays evil in a way that is so creepy and menacing in a high school way. Like in high school, the mean girls go, “I love your sweater. It’s just so cute!” They’re actually saying, “It’s horrible. I don’t know why you bought it.”
Julia doesn’t need to yell to be evil. It’s all in her demeanor and her eyes. But, the second they yell cut, she’s back to being so cool, nice and genuine. She’s pulling your hair and tapping your cheek menacingly—but, the second it’s over, she caresses your cheek like my mom does.
What was that like, to have your hair pulled?
They used the take where she actually ended up pulling some hair out, because my foot got caught in my dress. I was a little farther away from her than I had been in the rehearsal. So, when she went to pull my hair, she had to pull from farther away and faster—and part of my hair came out. They always use the “mistake takes,” so I thought, “They’re going to use this take!” I kept my demeanor, but when they yelled, “Cut!” I was like, “Ouch!” Julia went, “Oh my God, are you OK?” They actually did use that take.
Idea
How did Tarsem get you to sing in the movie? And, how did your dad react to your singing?
Tarsem brought up the idea originally. I said, “Sure, why not?” I wasn’t expecting him to actually follow through with it. We were in the middle of filming when Tarsem goes, “We’re doing the song-and-dance number.” I said, “What are you talking about?” He said, “You’re going to go in the studio and do a song.”
I had no idea this was going to be a big Bollywood number. I’ve never sung a Bollywood song before. So, I went into the sound studio, and I sang my heart out! I asked to go back a second time to try new things, to put more of an Indian spin on my voice, because I really wanted to go for it. It was so much fun!
When I played the song to my dad, he couldn’t believe that it was me. My little brothers were also like, “That’s not you! You don’t sound like yourself. We’ve never heard you sing like that.” I’m really proud of the song.
Singing career
Are you considering a singing career, too?
I wouldn’t say that I’m going to have an album. Never say never—but, my focus is definitely acting. But, as in this movie, if there’s another role that requires singing, like a musical, I’m definitely for it.
How is the dynamics between you and your dad, since he lives far away from you?
I was living in LA when he was in England and now, he’s living in Switzerland. I’ve grown up with the distance thing. We travel a lot. As he grows older, any child has evolving relationships with his parents. They’re older versions of you, so you understand them more. I see myself in them. My dad and I are really close.
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