Categories: News

EXCLUSIVE: 'Damsels In Distress' Director Whit Stillman Inspired By 'Miserable' University

When writer/director Whit Stillman wrote the screenplay for his latest film, Damsels in Distress, he drew inspiration from his days as a college student at (maybe you've heard of it) Harvard University.

"I was inspired a little bit because I’d been so miserable in University myself," Stillman said in our exclusive interview. "So we wanted to offer a fantasy version of University life, with these charming girls who are helping the depressed and nearly suicidal."

Actress Greta Gerwig plays Violet Wister in the film, which is about a group of co-eds who set out to improve the lives of students at their college. Gerwig said she found plenty in Violet she could relate to. "I like to think of Violet as a zealot, and she’s like the Joan of Arc of perfume and good dressing and tap dancing," Gerwig said. "I relate to her utter passion, and her willingness to 'get into it' with people about what she believes."

And it while it may not be clear whether Gerwig, who studied English and philosophy at Barnard College, had feelings as lukewarm as Stillman's about her schooling, she apparently learned plenty while she was there. "[Violet] seems like, within herself, she’s a Hegelian, thesis-antithesis synthesis, at all times," Gerwig said.

Um, could you explain that, please?

Watch the full interview here:

uInterview

Recent Posts

Jeff Bezos’ Fiancé Lauren Sanchez Interrupted While Sunbathing On $500 Million Superyacht For Suprise Search By St. Barts Customs Agents

Sanchez was accompanied on board by some friends, including her ex-boyfriend NFL player Tony Gonzalez.

4 hours ago

FAA Expands Restrictions On Drones After Mysterious Sightings In N.J. After Biden Administration Denies ‘National Security Threat’

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has expanded temporary drone flight restrictions to investigate the appearance…

4 hours ago

VIDEO: Motorcade Carrying Late President Jimmy Carter’s Body Travels Through Georgia

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cYdGeVH0PKI Ceremonies to celebrate and honor former president Jimmy Carter began on Jan. 4, with the motorcade…

7 hours ago

Jocelyn Wildenstein, Socialite Who Became Known As ‘Catwoman’ For Her Numerous Plastic Surgeries, Dies In Her Sleep At 84

In her younger years, Wildenstein was nicknamed the “Catwoman” due to the extensive cosmetic surgeries…

7 hours ago

Donald Trump Jr. Celebrates 47th Birthday With New Girlfriend Bettina Anderson At Mar-A-Lago

While Anderson was expected to be a welcome addition to the Trump family given her…

7 hours ago

VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: John Schneider Shares What Mades ‘Smallville’ Revolutionary

He said, "I think 'Smallville' was the first show that was successful enough that made…

8 hours ago