"I wanted to lose myself and find myself" "DiePresse.com

The sun rises on Kalokairi, the most beautiful of the Greek islands. Ten years have passed since "Mamma Mia!" When Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) realizes that she is expecting a baby. She confides in the best friends of her mother, Rosie (Julie Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baranski), and admits that she does not feel up to her responsibilities. The two tell her how her mother Donna (Lily James) then met Sam, Harry and Bill – and how she, pregnant and alone, took her own life in her own hands.

Director Ol Parker arrives to come "Mom Mia! Here We Go Again" (since Friday at the movies) to present a prequelle fast and fast. This is mainly due to the timeless music of Abba and the associated musical inserts. The second major strength of the film is casting – especially the new one. Because old stars such as Streep, Brosnan and Co. appear secondarily in appearance. On the contrary, Parker, who also wrote the screenplay, focuses on young Donna and her love chaos. Lily James embodies her character so naturally that she wears loose film. "Die Presse am Sonntag" met her in Hamburg for an interview.

Do you remember the first song of Abba that you heard?

Lily James: I think it was "Waterloo". My mother was a big fan of Abba, and my dad once assembled a compilation that was running all the time with us. I grew up with Abba songs, but of course I did not know all the songs by far. So, he should also go to many moviegoers. They will hear songs that they did not know. But they will love

Do you have a favorite Abba song?

I would say, "I waited for you" is my favorite song by Abba.

I would have thought "Andante, Andante"

Yes, too. How do you get it?

Because of the excitement with which you sing it in the movie – just amazing.

Oh, thank you. Is really a good song.

Let's talk about your movie character Donna. There are easier tasks than following in the footsteps of Meryl Streep or?

That's just to say. The role that Meryl Streep has created is simply amazing and has made so many people happy. She is strong, powerful and sensitive. For me, it was extremely exciting and a golden opportunity to be part of that role and to be part of such a prestigious cast, which already knew him from the first part and was recorded.

Did you have a lot to do with other actors? After all, their story unfolds in another time.

Of course, we shot on the same small island. I was warmly welcomed, everyone wanted to share his experiences and stories with us. Especially Amanda Seyfried. His voice is not breathtaking? I was blown away.

Your character embodies exactly what is called a risk taker. Is it something you can identify with yourself?

Yes, a lot. After school, I just wanted to travel and get to know the world. For example, I spent a little more than a month in India. I was so hungry for new adventures, I wanted to leave my bladder at home and embark on a journey where you get lost or you end up. Or both. That's exactly what Donna does in the movie. [19455910]
How would you describe your greatest adventure in the film world up to now?

(think longer) Probably this movie. Living and working for six weeks on this unique and beautiful island has been an unforgettable experience. I was allowed to collaborate with people that I admired all my life, and I became a part of a movie that I saw as a young girl and who m 39, has influenced a lot.

You have one of the premieres of the movie Taken by his mother. Do you have a close relationship?

(thoughtfully) Yes, we are very close. She is so brilliant, just great, I love her so much. And watching this movie with her was important to me. That's why I love this movie so much. In the center is a mother-daughter relationship.

Donna has a business with three men – almost within 24 hours. How do you put a character so imprudent and wild?

Well, 24 hours is a bit exaggerated. (laughs) And this is not what it is, the romantic aspect of the story is much more important. I think these love stories are told very well and understandably. They're Autonomous

You've just shot with director Danny Boyle – the title and content of the film are still unknown, but that's another musical, is not it? Do you sing and dance again?

No, it's all about music, but it's not a musical. I do not sing or dance. Whatever the case may be, filming with Danny Boyle has been a great pleasure. I love the stories of Richard Curtis, who wrote the screenplay for the film

Maybe Boyle takes you to his next film, the new James Bond

(he smiles shyly) No, I do not think so. In any case, I do not know it.

You were already able to repeat with Pierce Brosnan …

Yes, that's right. (laughs) Pierce is an extraordinary gentleman. Working with him is a privilege for me

You have already toured Europe and the United States. Do women in European films usually have non-American roles?

Yes, I would say it. But I had the chance to always play very strong characters.

Even when you were fighting zombies …

Yes, exactly. (laughs) But of course, I know that not all actresses are so lucky. In American films, women often play girlfriends. This is a pretty important issue that is addressed.

They will soon play again at the theater in the London West End – in "All About Eve" alongside Gillian Anderson. How did it happen?

I missed the theater. I am a perfectionist and shooting can be very stressful. Theater is a welcome change

Do you like to watch yourself on the screen?

No, it costs me to overcome it every time. At first I was very nervous about this movie with all the songs and dances. But when the time came I really enjoyed it and I did not find it unpleasant to look at myself. I honestly never had that.

("The Press", print edition, 22.07.2018)