Anne Hathaway has opened up about the unique challenge of performing original music for her upcoming thriller Mother Mary, describing the experience of working with producer Jack Antonoff as a humbling shift from her musical theatre roots.
In the film, set for release on April 24 in the UK, Hathaway plays a pop star who abandons her tour after an emotional breakdown and later reunites with a estranged friend, played by Michaela Coel, to prepare for a comeback. The soundtrack features songs written by Charli XCX and produced by Antonoff, with Hathaway performing them on screen. The first single, 'Burial', was released in March.
Speaking to Discussing Film, Hathaway compared the transition from stage singing to studio recording to switching from a ten-speed bike to a Harley-Davidson. "Technically, yeah, it’s the same genus, but the specifics are completely different," she said. "I had to learn how to ride a Harley, you know, the intricacies of the voice to the microphone."
Hathaway previously sang in Les Misérables and Rio, but noted that the pop recording process required a new set of skills. Antonoff served as a "guide" throughout, helping her adapt to the demands of pop vocal production.
Mother Mary hits UK cinemas on April 24.