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The Testament of Ann Lee is a bonkers musical fantasia about an obscure religious sect. Its star and writer-director Mona Fastvold talk fear, bonding – and not needing an Oscar
TL;DR
- The film "The Testament of Ann Lee" is an 18th-century musical biopic about Ann Lee, the founder of the Shaking Quakers.
- Amanda Seyfried stars as Ann Lee, a role requiring a fearless, fever-pitch performance and extensive preparation, including learning a Manchester accent and complex choreography.
- Director Mona Fastvold and Seyfried aimed for a film that is both serious and occasionally lighthearted, not taking itself too seriously.
- The film is an immigrant story, detailing Lee's journey from England to the US and her preaching of pacifism, equality, and celibacy.
- Seyfried and Fastvold developed a close working relationship, living together during the final stretch of filming in Hungary.
- The director and star expressed mutual admiration, describing each other as "mad" and "brave" respectively.