Donna: Stronger Than Pretty Interview

As Sybil in, Donna; Stronger than Pretty, delightful, Catharine Daddario is an important addition to an ensemble within a complex true story of serious overtones alongside light touches keeping it real and a true work of independent film importance.

Hello Catharine what a pleasure to make your acquaintance, were you always destined to become an actor or performer as it runs in the family.
CD – Yes, I think so, actually had a speech impediment growing up so thought theatre would be a good way to help with that issue starting around seventeen years ago now at a repertory company.

All three of us; me, Alex (Alexandra Daddario) Matt (Matthew Daddario) love doing it and evolving through projects.

Will you release an album someday, are you a good singer.
CD – Not a good singer, can carry a tune but I don’t think anyone needs that.

How do you pick a project to be part of.
CD – I love all movies from independents to blockbusters and definitely blockbusters, surrealist films and romance. I watch everything. If a friend says hey.. I want you to be in my film or read my script, generally I know I’ll do it because they’re talented to me. Generally, of course script reading before anything else. One of the things I have coming up soon I ed on years ago it was so great, I immediately believed in it. Donna was the same I could totally see it.

You play Sybil in Donna – Stronger than Pretty, it’s very dramatic.
CD – It was a self-submission audition then met with director Jaret Martino and hot it off. I believed what he was doing inspired by his mum, true story that some people are nervous to talk about or keep dangerous situations quiet. I’m really happy to have been in it.

Did you meet the real Donna.
CD – no unfortunately, a lot of cast did. Hopefully everyone gets to know her through the movie, she has quite an effect on everyone.

It brought a tear to my eye.
CD – Agreed totally, I don’t even know what exactly to say about it Shane, but it’s a nice movie to watch although circumstances are so intense. Jared had partnered with national coalition towards ending domestic violence, getting their go-ahead from an organisation that does so much good is obvious really. Hopefully his film will encourage people to speak out about it, it’s lovely and effective.

There’s a very awkward scene your character is involved in when Donna meets the family, have you ever been involved in a similar situation.
CD – (laughs) yes. Not exactly like that when someone is not nice and I have to warn them, but certainly I’ve been in awkward dinners. Particularly meeting new boyfriends of girlfriends (laughs).

Is there anything concerning Sybil that’s similar to you personally.
CD – Sybil is sassy, I definitely have some of that, maybe softer around the edges as she’s just looking for a good time. Her upbringing has made her protective of herself, I believe I’m judgemental at times to protect me and my friends.

Tell me about wearing the fashions of various eras.
CD – Wardrobe department was so elaborate, was blown away by all the period essentials that Sybil wore.

Did you get any fashion tips, are you wearing retro clothes now.
CD – they put me in a tiny leather skirt, I was resistant at first saying no I cannot wear that (laughs). Now I’m wearing similar little skirts. Also loved the big hair, in one scene it was gigantic, now I feel the need to tease mine all the time (laughs) I love it.

What would be your preferred era to go back to in time.
CD – kind of want to hang out in the 80s. I was born in 90s at the tail end when things were flaming out from then. I definitely when we bought our first computer.

Was it a long or shoot, short shoot, an enjoyable shoot.
CD – for me not long, they went on longer, everyone was lovely, we shot in cool locations, beautiful homes or places. All were invested in project which is not always the case on indie film sets.

One of the places in the film that caught my eye, the seaside.
CD – It was on-set in this amazing house with a stunning maze garden and that view.

Related Post: Film Review – Donna: Stronger Than Pretty (2021)

Have things changed in the industry are you finding more project opportunities are coming your way.
CD – yes, things are changing especially as projects start again from Covid delays. I’m excited that more parts are coming my way. In general, even self-tapes for agencies is a higher investment level for female characters. Some casting directors have even asked me what I thought of the female roles, if they were written well or if I could give deeper input. I’m not sure if it’s just because I’m older.

Have you ever had any pressure or expectation due to Alex and Matt also in the industry or your surname
CD – Don’t think anyone would hire me just because of that really, although I have had people try and it really just comes down to the project. Not something I’ve given too much thought, maybe I’m totally off base. Great to have them understand or talk to them for advice. That’s been the biggest benefit of the Daddario surname.

Do you have a favourite of your brother or sister to watch.
CD – ohhh I don’t nooo Shane (laughs) Alex’s is Percy Jackson and Matt is on Why Women Kill which is star studded, Alex appeared in first season. I like a bit of whimsy; my siblings are varied.

If you were not an actor, what occupation would you be doing.
CD – I tried journalism (laughs) I think I would try something still within the industry, arts in general I adore, I’ve worked in museums, I also really like science so may have gone to school to be a physics teacher. I love science it’s so fun!!

Can you surf.
CD – OK Shane, next time I’m in Australia I’ll go, I love it and want to do it so badly, but cannot.

Donna in the film keeps a diary, do you keep a journal or notebook.
CD – I write thoughts down a lot, but if I ever start a diary it transfers into fiction which I don’t know what that says about me. Making up stories as I write my daily thoughts down, who knows.

If there was a spin-off movie about Sybil, what would happen.
CD – she would probably settle down with a guitarist in a cool band. She may get softer with age, all the harshness she was raised around would make her a kinder person. I can picture her with a big loving family doing something charitable, then becoming that old woman who sits around saying, ‘when I was young, we did some crazy things’ (laughs).

In your own words tell me why people should watch Donna.
CD – firstly, cast and crew were amazingly impressive but the film has something for everyone. Costumes just great, acting and directing on top of the game. There’re so many characters in it you’ll connect with someone. It’s really for anyone who’s been a victim of domestic violence, any woman who’s ever felt silenced or judged or sadly a victim. It’s an important movie to watch as we need to change to dialogue around domestic violence. It may just spark something you weren’t expecting or spring up conversation.

endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk

DONNA – Stronger than Pretty available now on Digital Platforms