In addition to the physical requirement, this film also contains very emotional topics and dialogs, especially the scenes between Claress and her mother. Have you had any conversations with Claress that helped you achieve this emotional peak?
RD: I think that my approach to this was in several things: I obviously wanted to talk to her and find out her opinion about things, so whenever I had questions, she was there to answer them. For obvious reasons, I wanted to make sure that I caught the dynamics between Claress and her mother. These are one of the most important relationships that we have in life. In addition, it was very difficult, so there were times in the scenario when I just wondered: “Why did she say that? Or why did she do this, or why did she return? ” I really wanted to hear her opinion and understand how she looked at her relationship with her mother at that time of her life and how she looked at them now. I wanted to know what she learned and what she felt at that moment – even despite the fact that at those moments she hurt her, and although these were dark times, it was her mother, and nothing could replace it.
And in your heart there will always be weakness for this person. You may not understand each other, you can face your heads, and at times they may not really like them. Claress even said this before. She said: “I loved [my mom]But I didn't like her. ” So there were things that I just really wanted to hear from Claressa in order to truly understand her. In addition, I had a documentary that was so incredible and special, because it really gave a place in the front row of the entire dynamics, which she had with a coach, with brothers and sisters, with her mother and friends. These little things were the most important to me to be able to stand and perform well. Because this is what struck me, I treated everything. With the same intention and special attention, whether physical, emotional or mental, has always been the same for me. I am really glad that she was able to talk like that and be open.
