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Q&A with ‘Wicker’ stars Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård

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Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård at Los Angeles premiere of ‘Wicker.’ Black Bear

In “Wicker,” Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård explore the darker side of human nature, from the sting of criticism to the dangers of vanity and the struggle to accept change. In this interview with ABS-CBN News’ Yong Chavez, the two actors talk about protecting themselves from online negativity, choosing projects that excite them, and learning to embrace the passage of time.

Yong Chavez: There are so many memorable lines in the movie, including: ‘It’s easier to believe the bad than the good.’ Have you had a moment in your lives where you kind of had to confront that as well? 

Olivia Colman: Well, I don’t have any social media for that reason. If I looked at it, I could see, you know, 10 nice things, but I would remember the one mean thing. Yeah.  I don’t want to… I just have to protect myself by pretending no one ever sees anything I do.  I’m happier that way.

Alexander Skarsgård: I know, same here. I avoid not only social media, but also I can’t even read reviews of my movies because of the same thing. I’ll read something, and I’ll be, like, really insecure about it, and that’ll be the thing I remember. And I want to protect the experience of shooting the movie. Of having that be it.  And then you get to this point where we’re on a press tour, and you release it into the world, which is scary, but exciting. And I feel like once the ship has sailed, it’s like: Bye-bye.  I don’t want to go down the rabbit hole of reading comments or reviews or any of that. This was an amazing experience, definitely on this movie. But then, yeah, I kind of let it go and then move on. 

I feel like for this one, you both are safe, because everything is just wonderful. Everything that they’re talking about is all wonderful and complimentary.

Skarsgård: That also scares me, because then if you’re also already prone to narcissism, I go even more, and you start believing the hype, you know? 

That is a great point. It feels like you had such a great time making this. At this point in your career, how do you choose your projects? 

Skarsgård: That’s it. I want to have a great time.  I wanna work with nice people who are talented. I always call around if I’m working with someone I don’t know, I always call. Because usually, you work with someone in the past who worked with that person or something. To find projects, obviously, that excite you creatively, that speaks to you, and characters that you’re fascinated by, with interesting filmmakers and interesting actors. 

It’s so funny, because when I interviewed your father (Stellan Skarsgård) years ago, he said that what you guys talk about at the dinner table is just gossip about the people that you worked with. Not about the acting of it all, but just talking about the people that you guys worked with. 

Skarsgård: Yeah. Yeah. That’s a lot of gossip. (Laughs.)

The opening narration of the movie tells a story of what happens when you catch your reflection. I was wondering when you catch your reflection now, what do you see and what do you hope to see? 

Colman: Oh, I remember my mum saying — Well, she’s getting on. I won’t say how old she’ll be furious. (Laughs) But she says, “I look in the mirror, and I only feel like I’m 18.” And it’s always a shock. And when I was growing up, I was thinking, “That’s got to be rubbish.” And now I really understand what she means.  Yes. I look in the mirror and go, “Oh, it’s changing. I don’t feel any different.” But I’m really liking my gray hair. I sort of feel like I’ve earned it.  It’s a bit of sparkle. I love it.  I’m learning to like the changes.

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