December 6, 2024: Emily Blunt’s In Conversation With session at the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) was a fascinating dive into her career, personal insights, and experiences working on some of her most iconic projects. Over an hour-long conversation, Blunt shared her thoughts on everything from her portrayal in Oppenheimer to the possibility of a The Devil Wears Prada sequel, as well as her personal journey in the industry.
Blunt opened up about the challenges of working in Hollywood, acknowledging the pressures of the industry. She highlighted the tough nature of the business, joking that it requires “a helmet” to handle the ups and downs. Despite these challenges, she shared her personal journey of overcoming a childhood stutter and how acting became an “unlocking system” for her. This experience has led her to advocate for children with speech impediments, helping them find their voice in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
The actress also discussed her approach to selecting roles, admitting that she still often feels uncertain at the start of a new project, but has come to embrace the challenge. “Every time I am scared, I probably get used to the idea that I get there somehow,” she explained, stressing the importance of collaboration in her process. Working with directors and actors who are open to creative input is key for her, and she emphasized how much she appreciates those who encourage dialogue and exploration.
When talking about her experience in Oppenheimer, Blunt spoke highly of director Christopher Nolan, praising his collaborative approach. She remarked that Nolan is a rare breed in the film industry, as many directors have a singular, fixed vision for their projects. She credited him with “changing the face of cinema,” and expressed her gratitude for being a part of such a landmark film. As for the Barbenheimer phenomenon, Blunt joked that the person who coined the term should be hired by the studio, and praised Oppenheimer as “indelible” in its impact.
Blunt’s admiration for her co-stars, especially Cillian Murphy, was evident throughout the conversation. She affectionately referred to him as a “dear friend” and remarked humorously that he “deserves an Imax camera pointed at him,” though adding that he’s “so crap at” being famous. She also mentioned her fondness for Robert Downey Jr., calling him a “loveable” presence on set.
In a lighter moment, Blunt reflected on a formative experience working with Dame Judi Dench in an early stage production. She described Dench as “graceful, silly, and warm,” painting a picture of the legendary actress as a mentor figure.
One of the most intriguing parts of the conversation was when Blunt was asked about the long-rumored The Devil Wears Prada sequel. While she didn’t confirm anything, she teased that “there are rumblings” and expressed enthusiasm about the idea, saying, “We would all be delighted” if it were to happen.
Blunt also reflected on her experience working with her husband, John Krasinski, on A Quiet Place. She admitted to being nervous initially, but was drawn to the script for its simplicity and originality. Although she had suggested a friend for the role, she ended up taking it on herself, and the film’s unexpected success blew her away. She described the audience’s reaction as “like a rock concert,” emphasizing how surprised they all were by the film’s meteoric rise.
When it comes to choosing future roles, Blunt said she is eager to avoid repetition. She wants to explore the “crazy people” within herself, seeking out characters that offer “unique voices” and “bold, wild ideas.” She enjoys playing characters who are “way in over their head” rather than those who have it all figured out. Blunt also reflected on the diversity of roles she’s taken on, including her portrayal of a “raging alcoholic” in The Girl on the Train while she was pregnant, which showed her willingness to take on challenging and unconventional parts.
Throughout the conversation, Blunt’s love for her craft and her thoughtful, candid approach to the industry shone through. She remains one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood, continuously seeking roles that challenge her and allow her to explore new dimensions of her talent.
