Rose Byrne Delves into Maternal Horror in Golden Globe-Winning Film
In a candid interview, actress Rose Byrne opens up about her challenging role in the new film If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, for which she recently secured a Golden Globe award. The movie, directed by Mary Bronstein, presents a stark and unsettling portrayal of motherhood, delving into themes often considered taboo in contemporary cinema.
A Mother's Descent into Madness
The film centres on Linda, a mother grappling with the overwhelming stress of caring for a severely ill child. Byrne's character navigates a claustrophobic world where love and despair intertwine, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and terrifying. The story never reveals the specifics of the child's condition, focusing instead on Linda's psychological unraveling as she confronts feelings of frustration and a desperate desire to escape.
Bronstein, the writer and director, draws inspiration from David Lynch's Eraserhead, noting that while that film explores paternal anxiety, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You delves into the unique anguish experienced by mothers. "In Eraserhead, he can leave and that's his angst. Linda cannot leave. That's hers," Bronstein explains, highlighting the inescapable nature of maternal responsibility.
Challenging Societal Expectations
Byrne and Bronstein discuss how the film pushes against narrow societal parameters of acceptable motherhood. Linda's outbursts and internal conflicts reveal the pressure on mothers to suppress negative emotions. "Even in the privacy of therapy, she's not allowed to say things like, 'Why does that lady get to have a kid with no issues?'" Bronstein remarks, underscoring the film's critique of maternal ideals.
The director shares that the project is informed by her personal experiences, including a period when her own daughter faced grave illness. This authenticity fuels the film's horror elements, stemming from what Bronstein describes as an "ego-death situation" where she lost herself in motherhood before reclaiming her identity as an artist.
Performance and Perception
Addressing comparisons to Charlize Theron's transformative role in Monster, Byrne and Bronstein clarify that Linda's de-evolution is subtler, focusing on emotional rather than physical transformation. Byrne notes the challenge of portraying a character who is "actively rude" and closed off, particularly in scenes with co-star A$AP Rocky, where Linda dismisses potential connections, reflecting her inner turmoil.
The film also explores Linda's role as a therapist, adding layers of irony as she counsels others while experiencing a nervous breakdown. Byrne reflects on this narrative pivot, emphasising the complexity of a professional struggling with her own mental health.
Tackling Taboos and Production Hurdles
If I Had Legs I'd Kick You confronts difficult topics such as abortion trauma, with Byrne stating, "You can be politically pro-choice... but at the same time, you acknowledge that it's a difficult thing and it remains a trauma for some women." Bronstein adds that the film aims to express authentic, often unspoken experiences.
The production faced significant challenges, with Bronstein recalling numerous rejections from backers concerned about Linda's unlikeability. "People were afraid that no one was going to like Linda. And that, for some reason, is very scary," she says. Byrne counters this by asserting, "The audience doesn't have to love Linda – but we have to," highlighting the commitment to portraying raw, unfiltered humanity.
Set for release on 20 February, this film promises to provoke thought and discussion, challenging viewers to reconsider societal norms around motherhood and mental health.
