I Definitely Felt Like I Abused Myself

Florence Pugh reflects on her emotionally taxing experience filming Midsommar, admitting that she gave too much of herself to the role. The 2019 horror film, written and directed by Ari Aster, required Pugh to move into dark territory as Dani, a young woman who endures a tragic loss before being trapped by a Swedish cult. Pugh emphasized how this demanding role taught her the importance of setting boundaries for her mental health.

During an appearance on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast via People, Pugh opens up about the emotional strain of playing Dani. She notes that the intensity of the character left her feeling “broken” for a long time afterward. The actor acknowledges that while she was proud of the performance she delivered, she learned the necessity of self-protection during intense roles like this one. Check out Pugh’s comments below:

There have been some roles where I’ve given too much, and I’ve been broken for a long while afterwards. Like when I did Midsommar, I definitely felt like I abused myself in the places that I got myself to go. I mean, the nature of figuring these things out is you need to go, ‘Alright, well, I can’t do that again ’cause that was too much.’ But then I look at that performance, and I’m really proud of what I did, and I’m proud of what came out of me.

I don’t regret it. But, yeah, there’s definitely things that you have to respect about yourself… I’d never played someone that was in that much pain before, and I’d put myself in really s— situations that maybe other actors don’t need to do,

What This Means for Actors & Their Boundaries

Emotionally Taxing Roles Require Self-Care

Pugh’s reflection on her experience brings up a critical lesson for actors, especially those who take on emotionally challenging roles. Acting often requires individuals to immerse themselves completely in their characters, which can lead to intense emotional and psychological strain. For Pugh, her time working on Midsommar served as a reminder that personal boundaries are crucial in maintaining one’s mental health. As she noted, the process left her feeling as if she had taken herself too far to achieve the willpower needed for her role as Dani.

Moreover, her discourse sheds light on the physical and mental toll that can come with portraying trauma or pain on screen. While Pugh recognizes the value of her Midsommar performance, she clarifies that pushing oneself too far can lead to negative consequences.

Pugh’s candid discussion opens up a broader conversation about the need for more support systems within Hollywood. As performers are often asked to explore their emotional vulnerabilities, it’s essential that they are given the tools to cope with the aftermath of these roles. For Pugh, it was a learning process of self-care, and finding ways to protect herself while still honoring the art of acting.

Our Take on Pugh’s Insight into the Importance of Boundaries in Acting

Actors Need to Prioritize Their Mental Health

Pugh’s experience on Midsommar is a valuable lesson for both aspiring and established actors. While it’s clear that giving your all to a role is often seen as quintessential to a great performance, there is a fine line between emotional immersion and self-harm. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it is vital that more attention is given to the mental and emotional health of actors. By recognizing the need for boundaries, performers can continue to create powerful work without jeopardizing their well-being.

Source: Reign with Josh Smith via People

Ari Aster’s Midsommar follows a group of American college students who travel to a friend’s isolated rural hometown in Sweden to experience their renowned midsummer festival. What starts out as idyllic quickly becomes a disconcertingly violent pagan ritual, with the friends engaged in a ruthless competition that will test more than just their friendship. Florence Pugh stars alongside Jack Reynor, Will Poulter, and William Jackson Harper.

Release Date

July 3, 2019

Runtime

147 minutes

Cast

Julia Ragnarsson
, Rebecka Johnston
, Henrik Norlén
, William Jackson Harper
, Gunnel Fred
, Anna Åström
, Will Poulter
, Archie Madekwe
, Louise Peterhoff
, Björn Andrésen
, Isabelle Grill
, Jack Reynor
, Florence Pugh
, Liv Mjönes

Budget

9million

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