“The Housemaid”’s Amanda Seyfried Shares Her Extremely Relatable Earliest Reading Memory

Amanda Seyfried Shares Her Earliest Reading Memory

Amanda Seyfried, known for her roles in films like “Mamma Mia” and “The Housemaid,” recently opened up about her earliest memories of reading. In a candid conversation with Reese Witherspoon and Housemaid director Paul Feig on the Bookmarked podcast, Seyfried shared that she didn’t develop a strong interest in reading until she was around 10 years old.

Growing up, Seyfried found herself engrossed in thriller novels by author Lois Duncan, best known for “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” She described these chapter books as empowering and adult-like, sparking her love for reading. Seyfried reminisced about how these thrilling stories captivated her imagination and made her feel empowered as a young reader.

Despite not being initially drawn to reading, Seyfried’s daughter Nina, aged 8, showed a similar disinterest in books at a young age. Seyfried emphasised the importance of finding reading material that resonates with individuals, encouraging parents to support their children’s unique tastes and interests when it comes to reading.

In contrast, director Paul Feig shared his own childhood experience with reading, recalling how “Winnie the Pooh” played a pivotal role in sparking his passion for books. Despite struggling with reading initially, Feig’s grandmother’s gift of the beloved classic helped him discover the joy of diving into a good story and ultimately boosted his confidence in his reading abilities.

Seyfried and Feig recently collaborated on bringing Freida McFadden’s bestseller, “The Housemaid,” to the big screen. As the duo delved into the adaptation process, Feig revealed his dedication to staying true to the original text, constantly referring back to the novel to ensure the movie captured the essence of the book.

Discussing the age-old question of whether to read the book or watch the movie first, McFadden expressed support for both approaches, acknowledging that each has its unique merits. While some prefer to watch the movie first and delve into the book for additional details, others enjoy reading the book before seeing the film, highlighting the subjective nature of this decision.

As Seyfried and Feig continue to explore the world of storytelling through film adaptations, their shared passion for literature and filmmaking shines through. Their collaboration on “The Housemaid” exemplifies the magic that unfolds when talented individuals come together to bring captivating stories to life on the silver screen.

In a world filled with digital distractions, Seyfried’s reflective journey back to her earliest reading memories serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless joy and empowerment that can be found within the pages of a good book. As readers of all ages navigate their own literary paths, Seyfried’s insights offer a glimpse into the transformative power of storytelling and the lasting impact it can have on individuals.

Through their creative endeavours, Seyfried and Feig embody the essence of artistic collaboration and a shared commitment to honouring the essence of beloved literary works. As they continue to captivate audiences with their storytelling prowess, their dedication to authenticity and creativity sets the stage for more compelling narratives to unfold on screen, captivating audiences and sparking a newfound appreciation for the art of storytelling.