The writer and director of this month's big-screen Southern gothic drama The Beguiled talks playing hooky, Anjelica Huston's advice, and taking the long view on a romantic breakup.
1. If I weren't an actor, I'd be: An art director.
2. Best career advice I've gotten: Not everyone's going to like you (Anjelica Huston told me that when I was 20).
3. The three qualities that got me where I am today: Stubbornness, strong work ethic, basic manners.
4. Kind of work I'd do for free: Teacher.
5. Favorite perk of the job: Getting to travel.
6. Worst pitfall of the job: Getting spoiled with so many people tending to you when you're shooting a movie.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
7. How I made my first dollar: I had a T-shirt company in college.
8. Who I admire and why: Muhammad Ali for his grace and ability to rope-a-dope.
9. Last thing I binge-watched: Doctor Foster [BBC].
10. Book that left a lasting impression on me: Anna Karenina.
11. Movie with the greatest ending: The Conversation [1974].
12. Song I'd want played at my funeral: "Sometimes," by My Bloody Valentine.
13. First album I bought: Prince's Controversy.
14. On my bucket list: The Taj Mahal.
15. My perfect day would begin: Sleeping late and then breakfast in bed while watching a movie.
16. My perfect day would end: Drinking ice-cold champagne on a terrace in the South of France.
RELATED STORY
17. One thing I'm exceptionally good at: Gift giving (I think).
18. One thing I'm epically bad at: Singing!
19. How I clear my mind after a crappy day: Walking home in New York City.
20. Something nice I did for myself recently, because, hey, why not? Taking an afternoon off from work to go shoe shopping with a girlfriend after a glass of rosé.
21. If I could compete in an Olympic sport, I'd like it to be: Gymnastics, because my daughter would be thrilled.
22. The three qualities I thought I wanted in a partner: Integrity, humor, and depth.
23. The three qualities I know now matter: Same.
24. Advice to a woman with a broken heart: It will make a good story someday that you'll laugh about.
25. Relationship advice to my younger self: Don't get married before 30.
26. Most agonizing career decision I've ever made: Leaving a big movie project that I had spent over a year working on (but wasn't the right fit)
27. Easiest career decision I've ever made: To make The Beguiled—wasn't easy to get made—but I knew for some reason I really had to try to make it.
28. My career in 5 years: No idea.
29. Change I'd like to see in my industry: More female directors.
30. The last time I felt beautiful was: When Dick Page did my makeup.
31. Moment I knew I was in love: When I couldn't eat or think straight.
A version of this article appears in the July issue of Marie Claire, on newsstands June 20.
-
15 Gifts Every Stylish Mother Figure Will Absolutely Adore
Sponsor Content Created With Kate Spade New York
By Natalie Gray Herder Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Has Everything on My Spring Outfit Mood Board
The perfect fashion destination to shop for warm-weather looks.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Zendaya and Tom Holland Have Discussed Marriage, Source Claims
But right now they're busy with work.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton Published
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner Published
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors Published
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park Published
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez Published
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors Published