In a recently published Harper’s Bazaar interview, Lily James opens up about “making mistakes with an open heart” and believing people can “recover” from the past wrongdoings.
In the video interview, which was shot in July but only published on Sunday (October 11), Lily discussed her upcoming film, Rebecca – a psychological thriller based on the 1938 novel by Daphne du Maurier about a young newlywed’s marital journey where she finds herself battling the shadow of her husband’s late first wife.
Describing the titular character in the film, she says, “The character of Rebecca went against all norms as a woman, disobeyed her husband, had affairs, was basically just brilliant, and that was only in the 1930s. So, I think people are still afraid of women when they’re unleashed. Women are warriors and that’s intimidating.”
She also admitted to making mistakes in the past and got candid about learning to face criticism.
“I think I make mistakes all the time,” she said in the video. “That’s what life is all about. I would never want to run away from a situation or be too scared to act.”
“I think that it’s better to throw yourself in and make mistakes with an open heart. If your instincts are right even if they’re misguided, or if you’re open, you know, you can recover from your mistakes and learn from them,” she continued.
“I think criticism can be useful if it’s constructive,” she later added. “At times, it can feel really personal and it can feel like a vendetta and an attack against you, and that’s really difficult.”
“But I’m still learning, I’m still figuring it out, but I still think I can grow and I can develop a thicker skin – because all that really matters is how you feel about yourself and how the people you love feel about you,” she went on. “You can arm yourself with that power and that knowledge.”
In another interview with Entertainment Tonight, which happened days before the photos surfaced, Lily talks about how the film reflects the modern times and its use of social media.
“My character just has this whole idea of Rebecca, but the truth is entirely different,” she teases. “And often on social media that’s the case. You present this world that’s very, very far from the truth.”
“It’s about appearance versus reality, and they can be so far apart,” she adds. “So this is a very modern tale in that respect.”
However, the quotes seem to be inadvertently fueling questions and speculations stemming from the photos that surfaced earlier this week, where she and Dominic appeared to be a little too cozy during their al fresco meal and the scooter ride they shared.
Dominic, who’s been married to Catherine FitzGerald since 2010, seemingly squashed affair speculations in the joint statement he and his wife issued on Tuesday (October 13).
Putting on a united front and in front of the media, the couple shared a kiss and posed for photographers outside their home in Wiltshire, England.
“Our marriage is strong and we’re very much still together. Thank you,” Dominic wrote in a handwritten note, which was handed out to the media. It was signed by both of them individually.
In a recent press junket, Lily was asked for comment on the narrative being painted about her in the headlines.
“This isn’t the time for me to do that but I appreciate you asking,” she politely responded, per ET.
