Helen Mirren strolls into a picturesque Venetian garden under the bright midday sun, clad in a vibrant yellow skirt, purple nail polish, and a rainbow-hued cardigan.
She is there to discuss her latest film, The Leisure Seeker, a poignant movie featuring her alongside Donald Sutherland.
Known for her laid-back approach to life, she humorously admits to being incredibly lazy, having recently indulged in two months of doing absolutely nothing.
Throughout her illustrious 40-year career in television and film, Dame Helen has portrayed a diverse range of characters, from the groundbreaking Jane Tenninson in Prime Suspect to her iconic role as Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen.
Even in supporting roles, such as her portrayal of a gangster's moll in The Long Good Friday or a head housekeeper in Gosford Park, she leaves a lasting impact on audiences.
In her current phase, which she humorously dubs her ‘death' period, Mirren delves into the realities of mortality in The Leisure Seeker.
Her character, Ella Spencer, grapples with a terminal illness while her husband, John, played by Sutherland, battles dementia.
Mirren emphasizes that death is an inevitable part of life, affecting individuals of all ages, and it is essential to confront this reality, especially in later stages of life.
As the film follows the journey of a bickering elderly couple traveling in an RV named ‘The Leisure Seeker' to fulfill John's dream of visiting Ernest Hemingway's house in the Florida Keys, Mirren reflects on her experience shooting a tender bedroom scene with Sutherland.
Despite initial apprehension about the intimate moment, she praises Sutherland for his supportive approach during filming.
Mirren's on-screen boldness contrasts with her personal aversion to filming s=x scenes, a sentiment she has harbored throughout her career.
At 72, she exudes a zest for life, unaffected by concerns about the afterlife, a topic that fails to pique her interest.
Raised by secular parents who valued seizing the moment, she advocates for making the most of life through healthy living practices, even though she playfully admits to shunning exercise.
Contemplating the advancements of technology and its impact on longevity, Mirren muses about the allure and challenges of living into one's nineties.
While she acknowledges the transformative power of technology, particularly in the film industry, she laments the loss of privacy in the digital age, where boundaries between public and private spheres have blurred.
Despite the prevalence of social media and its purported ability to bridge gaps between celebrities and fans, Mirren remains skeptical of its authenticity.
She believes that the curated nature of social media platforms often masks true connections, echoing the sentiments of Andy Warhol regarding fleeting fame in the digital era.
In a surprising turn of events, Mirren finds herself inadvertently caught up in a pro-Trump rally scene in The Leisure Seeker, a sequence filmed before Trump assumed office.
Reflecting on the political landscapes in both the US and the UK, she expresses admiration for American resilience while expressing uncertainty about the trajectory of Brexit and its implications for the UK.
Navigating through the complexities of global politics and personal convictions, Mirren embodies a sense of resilience and adaptability, mirroring the timeless adage of “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
With a string of diverse projects on the horizon, including roles in crime-thrillers and Disney extravaganzas, she continues to captivate audiences with her versatility and unwavering passion for storytelling.
“The Leisure Seeker” is set to premiere in theaters on April 20, inviting audiences to embark on a heartfelt journey alongside Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland as they navigate life's joys and challenges with grace and humor.
