Its quite the other way around.
McGovern was a vibrant star in the 1980s, with turns in films likeRagtimeandOrdinary People.
But beforeDownton, she was better known to British audiences, having relocated to London in the early 1990s.
Credit: Karin Catt/PBS Distribution
Right now itsThe Chaperone, a project of her own devising, that has her feeling energized.
Its happening to our two characters at the time time its happening to American culture.
To read about her is to read about the beginning of all sorts of art forms, she says.
The beginnings of modern dance, the beginning of making movies.
Youve got an older character who learns to own her sexuality by watching this younger character, McGovern says.
More than anything, it was Normas personal journey that appealed to McGovern.
Early in my career, I only had the opportunity to be a reflection of the guys story.
McGovern describes Norma as feeling constrained by societal expectations, trying to conform to a vision of upper-middle-class domesticity.
Its under the radar, McGovern says of Normas journey to a more progressive way of living.
She doesnt really hold any banners or change any of societys rules.
She just figures out how to do it for yourself.
(That includes ditching the binds of her corset.)
Thats what ordinary people do, she says.
The Chaperoneopens March 29 in New York and will expand April 12.
