Anne Hathaway’s recent revelation sheds light on a past cringe-worthy tradition: the chemistry test.
ANNE HATHAWAY AND CHEMISTRY TESTS
In a candid interview with V magazine, the acclaimed actress reminisced about the awkwardness of her early days in the industry. She had to kiss a lineup of men who were considered par for the course, according to Harper’s Bazaar.
“It was considered normal to ask an actor to make out with other actors to test for chemistry, which is the worst way to do it,” Hathaway disclosed. She reflected on the archaic practices of the early 2000s.
“I thought, Is there something wrong with me? Because I wasn’t excited. I thought it sounded gross.”
ANNE HATHAWAY’S PAST SCREEN TESTS
A young Hathaway, eager to break into the industry, was faced with the prospect of smooching a slew of strangers in the hopes of landing a role.
It’s the stuff of nightmares, yet for Hathaway and many others of her era, it was an uncomfortable reality, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
But fear not, for Hathaway has emerged from those cringe-inducing auditions unscathed and armed with newfound wisdom.
ANNE HATHAWAY AND THE IDEA OF YOU
As a producer of her latest project, The Idea of You, she decided to flip the script on traditional chemistry tests. She opted for a more creative and less cringe-worthy approach.
“We asked each of the actors coming in to choose a song that they felt their character would love, that they would put on to get my character to dance,” Hathaway explained.
“And then we’d do a short little improv.”
DANCING WITH CO-STARS
Gone were the days of awkward lip-locking sessions; instead, Hathaway and her co-stars swayed to the rhythm of their chosen tunes, as reported by CNN.
This let the music guide their movements and chemistry.
In the end, Nicholas Galitzine, Hathaway’s leading man in The Idea of You, chose a track by Alabama Shakes. The magic unfolded before their eyes.
“I heard [lead singer Brittany Howard’s] voice and I just started smiling,” Hathaway reminisced.
“And [Nicholas] saw me smile, so he relaxed, and we just started dancing.”
COLLABORATIVE AUDITIONS
It’s a refreshing departure from the uncomfortable rituals of yesteryear. It signals a shift towards a more respectful and collaborative audition process in Hollywood.
Hathaway’s innovative approach not only fosters genuine chemistry between co-stars but also ensures a more enjoyable and empowering experience for all involved.
As Hathaway aptly puts it, “It wasn’t a power play, no one was trying to be awful or hurt me. It was just a very different time and now we know better.”
The evolution of Hollywood chemistry tests shows the industry’s journey towards inclusivity, creativity, and mutual respect.
So here’s to serenades over smooches and dancing over awkward embraces—a welcome change that’s long overdue in Tinseltown.