Podcast Summary: Fresh Air – "Saoirse Ronan Says Being A Child Actor Shaped Her — For The Better"

Introduction

In this episode of Fresh Air, host Marie Baldonato engages in an in-depth conversation with acclaimed actress Saoirse Ronan. A four-time Oscar nominee known for her roles in Atonement, Lady Bird, Brooklyn, and Little Women, Ronan discusses her latest projects, The Outrun and Blitz. The interview delves into her experiences as a child actor, her personal background, and her perspectives on the film industry.

Recent Projects: The Outrun and Blitz

Ronan stars in two distinct films released concurrently: The Outrun and Blitz.

• The Outrun: Based on Amy Liptrot's bestselling memoir, Ronan portrays Rona, a graduate student battling alcoholism. The film explores her journey through various stages of sobriety, including rehab, relocating to Orkney, Scotland, and finally seeking solitude on a remote island. A poignant scene illustrates Rona waking up after a night of heavy drinking, expressing her determination to overcome addiction:

  [02:24] Ronan: "Whatever I did, I'm not drinking anymore. I'm sorry. I'm so tired of hearing you say that."

• Blitz: Directed by Steve McQueen, this World War II drama features Ronan as a mother in London striving to protect her son during the German bombing campaigns. The film highlights the emotional turmoil and resilience required to survive such harrowing times. An early scene captures the son's reluctance to leave his family:

  [09:53] Ronan: "I want to stay with you. Yeah, I know. It's only until all this is over, and then the schools will open again and life will get back to normal, I promise. Please don't go. And I love you."

Experiences as a Child Actor

Ronan reflects on her beginnings in the acting world, highlighting both the advantages and challenges of starting her career at a young age.

[06:39] Baldonato: "You do some interesting things... What was that like?"

[07:08] Ronan: "It was the most insane experience I've ever had on a film. Sheep don't stick to a schedule, so we had to bend our shooting schedule to nature."

Her first on-set memory involved an unexpected explosion while she was five years old, an event that left her father with lasting tinnitus.

[25:46] Ronan: "There was an explosion that happened... He ran for me and put his hands over my ears to protect them."

Personal Background and Moving Between the US and Ireland

Born in the Bronx, New York City, Ronan's early life was marked by frequent relocations between the United States and Ireland, influenced by her parents' pursuit of better opportunities and her father's burgeoning acting career.

[22:49] Ronan: "My dad started out in construction. He eventually became a bartender and was discovered... So we went back."

These moves contributed to her sense of not fully belonging anywhere, a theme that resonates in her work and personal reflections.

Accents and Linguistic Skills

Ronan discusses her proficiency with various accents, attributing her versatility to her multicultural upbringing and early exposure to different dialects.

[34:49] Ronan: "It's not dissimilar to being bilingual... your ear remains open to that and your brain is tuned into that from quite an early age."

While adept at adopting regional accents for roles, she expresses a growing preference for using her natural voice, valuing authenticity in her performances.

Working with Greta Gerwig on Lady Bird

Ronan elaborates on her collaboration with director Greta Gerwig for the film Lady Bird, highlighting the strong mother-daughter dynamic portrayed in the movie and its semi-autobiographical elements.

[38:38] Ronan: "Laurie and I just kind of built something that was very personal for us. We got on so well off-screen, and we had so much fun doing those scenes together."

She praises Gerwig's directing style, emphasizing her ability to support and inspire actors.

[40:11] Ronan: "What I love and admire most about Greta is that she loves actors... She pays attention to every little detail without it feeling clinical."

Reflections on Child Actors' Treatment on Set

Ronan voices concerns about the current environment for child actors, advocating for better protection and support systems.

[18:41] Ronan: "Kids need to be protected far more than they are. If a kid has a great chaperone, then that's amazing."

She underscores the importance of a stable and nurturing relationship between directors and young performers, drawing parallels to the respectful and considerate approaches of directors like Steven Spielberg.

Notable Quotes

• On addiction and personal pain:

  [05:23] Ronan: "It is a particular topic that is very personal to me... that experience has been chosen over you."

• On sense of belonging:

  [30:50] Ronan: "I never really felt like I fully belonged anywhere."

• On accents and authenticity:

  [34:49] Ronan: "I'm actually really, really keen to just use my own now."

Conclusion

Saoirse Ronan's conversation on Fresh Air offers a compelling glimpse into her multifaceted career and personal journey. From navigating complex roles in challenging films to addressing the nuances of her upbringing and the responsibilities that come with being a child actor, Ronan demonstrates a profound understanding of her craft and the industry. Her reflections not only illuminate her own experiences but also shed light on broader issues faced by young performers in Hollywood today.