A Unique Blend of Pop and Performance
David Lowery, the director known for his work on “Ghost Story” and “The Green Knight,” has crafted a visually stunning film titled “Mother Mary.” The movie’s first looks from its trailers suggest that Lowery has created a pop-centric experience filled with grand concert set pieces, ethereal costumes, and powerful vocals from Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway. The film’s soundtrack is also enhanced by the contributions of real-world pop stars like Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and FKA Twigs, who have provided original music for the project.
A New Kind of Indie Hit
With this combination of visual spectacle and musical talent, it’s possible that “Mother Mary” could become A24’s latest indie hit. However, Lowery’s secret to making it all work might be something unexpected: a dash of Taylor Swift. The filmmaker has revealed that he turned to Taylor Swift’s 2018 Netflix concert feature, “Reputation,” for inspiration repeatedly during the production of the film.
Inspiration from a Music Icon
In a recent interview with Empire, Lowery shared his admiration for Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” concert film. He called it one of the best concert films ever made and said that it was a constant source of inspiration for the team working on “Mother Mary.” According to Lowery, the team spent a significant amount of time analyzing the film, breaking down specific songs shot by shot to understand how they could replicate similar visuals on a smaller budget.
“We took three songs from ‘Reputation’ and broke them down, shot by shot, and looked at them like, ‘OK, if we were doing these, how much would these shots cost to do in visual effects?'” Lowery explained. “We used that as a budgeting tool because we didn’t know how to wrap our heads around actually pulling off a stadium concert-show on a minimal budget. We were literally using ‘Reputation’ as a guide.”
A Shared Love for Taylor Swift
It wasn’t just the behind-the-scenes creatives who found inspiration in Taylor Swift’s work. Anne Hathaway, who plays a pop star in the film, was also a fan of the “Reputation” tour. She even attended the “Eras” tour with Lowery in Europe. Hathaway reportedly gave Lowery a special gift when the film wrapped—a Taylor Swift-style beaded bracelet featuring the lyrics to “Anti-Hero.”
“I definitely brought a lot of Taylor Swift to the table in terms of who Mother Mary was,” Lowery said. “I would often be like, ‘Imagine Taylor Swift in 10 or 15 years – that’s sort of who this character could be.'”
A Star-Studded Cast
Anne Hathaway, who will soon be seen in “The Devil Wears Prada 2” alongside Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, plays a pop star opposite Michaela Coel’s fashion designer in “Mother Mary.” The two characters reconnect ahead of a new tour, setting the stage for a story that blends music, fashion, and personal growth.
Release Date and Trailer
The film is set to hit theaters on April 17, and fans can watch the trailer below to get a glimpse of what to expect. With its mix of high-energy performances, stylish visuals, and a unique narrative, “Mother Mary” promises to be an exciting addition to the world of indie cinema.
