“I was pretending I know how to be a waitress”: Vicky Krieps’ Nervewrecking Moment Was Enough to Make Daniel Day-Lewis Her “Victim”
Vicky Krieps boasts a rich portfolio encompassing more than 30 films, yet it was her captivating portrayal in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread that brought her to the forefront for many viewers. Sharing the screen with the legendary Daniel Day-Lewis proved to be an exceptional experience for Krieps. Interestingly, their first meeting didn’t occur until a later scene in the movie, and both actors were notably nervous about finally sharing the screen together.
However, in a pivotal scene, Krieps showcased her remarkable skill, turning the tables on Day-Lewis. Her mastery at that moment allowed her to take charge, momentarily subverting the power dynamic, leaving Day-Lewis caught off guard and perhaps even influenced by her performance. This instance stands as a testament to Krieps’ talent and ability to command the screen, even alongside a legendary actor like Daniel Day-Lewis.
Vicky Krieps’ Unforgettable Impact on Daniel Day-Lewis in Phantom Thread
Vicky Krieps and Daniel Day-Lewis found themselves sharing the screen in the mesmerizing film Phantom Thread without actually meeting until a pivotal later scene in the production. It’s intriguing how both esteemed actors, despite their seasoned careers, confessed to feeling nervous about working alongside each other.
Day-Lewis humorously admitted to his apprehension about collaborating with Krieps, and interestingly, Krieps reciprocated those nerves. However, her approach to coping with the pressure was a fascinating one—immersing herself in the art of pretending.
Krieps dedicated herself to the craft of acting so intensely that she submerged any trace of nervousness. She delved into the role with such commitment that she convinced herself she knew exactly what she was doing, even downplaying any awe or intimidation of working with a renowned actor like Day-Lewis. Her focus on this pretend game was so unwavering that, in a twist of fate, she stumbled during one of the film’s scenes. Krieps shared (via Cheat Sheet),
“I was very nervous, too, obviously. And I was trying to look not nervous, and trying to pretend that I know what I’m doing. I was pretending I know how to be a waitress. I was pretending I’m not nervous. I was pretending I don’t care that it’s a famous actor. I was just pretending everything.”
The moment was an accidental slip, but Day-Lewis, ever the quick-witted co-star, humorously remarked that he ended up being the one who fell—for Krieps. This playful jest highlighted the captivating power dynamic shift in that instance. It was a moment where, inadvertently, Krieps made Day-Lewis her victim, showcasing her ability to captivate not just the audience but her esteemed co-star as well.
Vicky Krieps’ Journey to Phantom Thread
Vicky Krieps discovered a profound connection with Alma, the character in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread, igniting her passion to portray this role alongside Daniel Day-Lewis. However, her journey to this remarkable opportunity took an extraordinary turn.
Her standout performance in the German arthouse film The Chambermaid Lynn caught the attention of director Paul Thomas Anderson even before her audition, paving the way for her involvement in Phantom Thread. Krieps told Awards Daily,
“It almost feels like it’s not an audition story because Paul found me after watching a small German arthouse movie I did, The Chambermaid Lynn. I think he found it on iTunes because it was on there. I got the part because of the audition, but I got the audition because of a movie I did.”
Reflecting on the audition process, she aptly notes that while auditions are typically the gateway to roles, her chance to audition for Phantom Thread was a direct result of her previous work. It’s a testament to the idea that merit and one’s body of work hold substantial weight in the film industry. As she succinctly puts it, it’s ultimately the quality of one’s craft and performance that opens doors in the industry, rather than mere connections, associations, or the influence of agents.
