Jessica Chastain recently opened up about her friendship with Oscar Isaac and how it has changed since their collaboration on the HBO limited series Scenes From a Marriage. In an interview with Vanity Fair’s Little Gold Men podcast, Chastain revealed that filming the intense series took a toll on their relationship.
Describing the filming process as “very tough,” Chastain expressed her love for Isaac but acknowledged that their friendship hasn’t been the same since working together. She explained, “We’re going to be okay, but after that, I was like, I need a little bit of a breather.” The emotional performances required for Scenes From a Marriage created a lot of intense moments between the two actors, which seemed to have affected their dynamic off screen.
However, Chastain emphasized that despite the challenges they faced during filming, she finds joy and catharsis in her work. She considers herself fortunate to have such unique and otherworldly experiences as an actress. After immersing herself in these intense roles, she is able to return to her quiet and peaceful life when she goes home. Chastain cherishes the opportunity to live through these emotionally charged characters, but also appreciates the balance of her personal life.
One moment from their collaboration that gained attention was a viral video of Chastain and Isaac on the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival. In the slow-motion video, Isaac can be seen looking at Chastain and kissing her inner arm. Chastain addressed the video during an appearance on NBC’s Today show, explaining that they were acting and that their longstanding friendship allowed for such comfortable and intimate moments on screen.
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She laughed off the talk surrounding the video, attributing its appeal to the allure of slow motion. Chastain commented, “I think it was really funny because when you look at it in regular speed, I’m looking straight ahead and he looks over at me. He just kind of goes to give me a peck on my elbow, and at the same time, I’m going to give him a hug. So all of a sudden, his face ends up in my armpit.” The incident showcased their chemistry and friendship, which has been built over more than half of their lives.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Chastain and Isaac discussed how their deep-rooted friendship helped them handle the raw material of Scenes From a Marriage. Isaac expressed that despite the challenges, working with Chastain felt effortless and natural. Chastain relied on their trust and history together, stating, “I didn’t have to get to know this person. I had to re-get to know him because I had to switch things around in my brain to see him as Jonathan.”
The experience of working together on such an emotionally demanding project has undoubtedly affected their friendship. However, Chastain remains optimistic about their relationship, believing that they will ultimately be okay. It is not unusual for intense performances to have a profound impact on actors’ relationships, as they delve deep into their characters’ emotional lives. In this case, Chastain and Isaac’s friendship may have been tested, but their bond and shared history will likely help them navigate any challenges.
Overall, the collaboration between Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac on Scenes From a Marriage showcased their talent and chemistry, capturing the attention of audiences. While the experience was emotionally challenging, they were able to rely on their friendship and trust in each other to deliver powerful performances. It is a testament to their professionalism and deep connection that they were able to bring their characters to life with such authenticity.
