Annette Bening first encountered the character Irina Arkadina when she was in her early 20s.
But theres something that a camera can do.
It can sneak into moments that the stage just cant.
Credit: Abbott Genser/Sony Pictures Classics
Although Irina can be vain, thoughtless, and manipulative, Bening imbues her with a winking charm.
I suppose if anything, I just have more empathy, the four-time Oscar nominee says.
[Empathy] is the greatest spiritual gift.
Its that empathy that made her Mayers first and only choice for the role.
Shes just playing a human being, who isnt perfect and who maybe does some really terrible things sometimes.
The Seagullwill hit theaters May 11.
