Saoirse Ronan On The Role Of Young Writer Joe March In The Costume Drama "Little Women"

Saoirse, they say, you fought from the very beginning for the right to play Joe. This is true?

In a way, yes. When I found out that Greta (Gerwig, director of the film. - Approx. HB) is going to film "Little Women", I decided by hook or by crook to get this role. Fortunately, we didn't have to weave any intrigues: we just crossed paths at a party, I plucked up courage and just said: "I'll be your Joe.

So Joe is your favorite character?

When I read Louise May Alcott's novel in high school, I recognized myself in every female character. The writer gave the March sisters different destinies and in one book she clearly showed that happiness does not have to be the same for everyone. By the way, now, when I look back, I understand that I have always been attracted by books and films about gangs of girls. Even in Dirty Dancing, I like the female friendship line as much as the love one with Patrick Swayze.

You star in Gerwig's second film. Do you feel like a prima on her set, or at least a co-author?

You’re joking about I’m just now, right? Greta doesn't give me any favors! With co-authorship, everything is also not easy: for her, the text is so important that improvisation is out of the question. True, I did bring something from myself to the film: Greta has a habit of gesticulating violently - and I figured out that Joe would also help himself with his hands. And we, along with costume designer Jacqueline Durran, whom I have known for 12 years - since Joe Wright's "Atonement" - decided that my main color could only be red.

Your heroine skillfully combines things from the men's wardrobe - vests and blazers - with dresses. Is this mix close to you?

As a child, I dressed like a boy. I remember when I was very little, my grandparents dressed me in a dress with sleeves-lanterns, and I ran to my mother with the words: “Help me take off, please! It's too beautiful for me."

And now?

When my career began to gain momentum, I started working with stylist Elizabeth Salzman, and she managed to convince me. So now I even like feminine things. Although one close person once said: "Saoirse, you dress like a primary school teacher." (Laughs.)

Before you, the role of Joe was played by Katharine Hepburn and Winona Ryder. Don't be afraid of comparisons?

Not at all. I immediately realized that in Greta's version it would be a new, modern heroine. I am just pleased to take the baton.

Interview: LIDIA AGEEVA