Anne Hathaway Reveals How Studying Beyoncé Helped Shape the ‘Technique’ of Mother Mary

**Anne Hathaway Reveals Beyoncé’s Influence on Her Role in ‘Mother Mary’**

In a recent Q&A session held on Thursday, 14 April, actress Anne Hathaway opened up about her transformation into a pop star for her latest film ‘Mother Mary’. The conversation, which took place during a listening event for the film’s soundtrack, focused on Hathaway’s process of developing her character, as well as the vocal techniques she adopted to embody her role. The event was moderated by Jem Aswad from Variety, alongside director David Lowery and musician FKA twigs.

Hathaway, known for her roles in films like ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, shared her experiences training her voice for the character of Mother Mary, revealing a surprising difficulty with the new style of singing required for her role. She confided that, despite her musical theatre background, she found the transition to pop music challenging and often felt perplexed by the demands of the genre.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Hathaway mentioned her mother, a talented musical theatre singer, and how their voices differ significantly. “Mine’s much softer,” Hathaway explained, indicating that she has always viewed herself in a different light compared to “real singers” like Whitney Houston. This sense of inadequacy shaped her initial perspective on her singing abilities, leading her to believe she had “a voice for choir” rather than for solos.

Describing her journey to master Mother Mary’s pop vocal style, Hathaway admitted it took her two years to adapt fully. “It was a completely new way of singing, and it baffled me for the longest time,” she revealed. Through this process, Hathaway immersed herself in the work of established pop artists to unravel the essence of their vocal styles. In particular, she cited Beyoncé’s song ‘American Requiem’ as a significant influence.

Hathaway praised Beyoncé’s vocal technique as “mesmerising and astonishing”, noting her unique phrasing and the artistry behind her singing. “Just listening to her musicianship, understanding the history of her voice that allowed her to create such a still and present sound—that was the key for me,” she said. She acknowledged that most pop singers, including the 35-time Grammy winner, know how to showcase stillness in their voices, which is something she sought to emulate.

Further discussing her vocal journey, Hathaway found that mastering Beyoncé’s “pop phrasing” proved to be an essential aspect of her preparation. This newfound understanding helped shape her approach to the character and the music associated with it.

In addition to her music preparation, Hathaway sought guidance from fellow artist Charli XCX, known for her catchy pop anthems. At the film’s premiere on 13 April, she discussed her insights from Charli, expressing her admiration for the artist’s songwriting. Hathaway shared her desire to learn more about the life of a pop star and the experiences that come with it.

‘Mother Mary’ showcases Hathaway as a pop icon navigating personal challenges on the eve of a major performance, where she faces the re-emergence of an estranged old friend, played by Michaela Coel. This psychological thriller not only explores the complexities of fame but also delves into the intricacies of relationships within that high-pressure environment.

The film is set to be released in limited theatres on 17 April, with a nationwide rollout scheduled for 24 April. As anticipation builds around its release, Hathaway’s candid reflections on her artistic journey and the influences that shaped her performance provide valuable insight into the challenges of stepping into the shoes of a pop star.