Toni Collette recalls the moment Kate Winslet offered her a role in “Goodbye June” with a laugh and a vivid image: a napkin over her head, tears streaming down her face. It wasn’t disbelief, but a profound sense of honor. She’d long admired Winslet, and the call felt like a culmination of a silent, parallel connection between two actors who hadn’t even met.
Their paths hadn’t crossed professionally before “Goodbye June,” despite a shared industry presence. A mutual friend had often relayed messages of admiration between them, hinting at a potential friendship. But it was Winslet’s personal call, extending an invitation to join her directorial debut, that truly resonated with Collette, confirming a feeling that something special was about to unfold.
Collette describes Winslet as a remarkably gifted first-time director – focused, prepared, and possessing an innate ability to create a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere. “For a first-timer, she’s f*ing amazing!” Collette exclaims, drawing on her extensive experience to highlight Winslet’s natural talent and understanding of the filmmaking process.
The film centers around a family grappling with their mother’s illness during the Christmas season, a story Collette found deeply moving. Reuniting with Dame Helen Mirren, whom she’d previously worked with on “Hitchcock,” was another highlight. This time, however, Collette felt truly ready, acknowledging she hadn’t been “fully evolved” during their first collaboration.
Mirren herself echoed this sentiment, admitting she too felt a sense of continued growth. This shared vulnerability fostered a remarkable connection, reminding Collette that even the most accomplished artists are constantly evolving. The cast spent a week in rehearsal, forging genuine bonds over tea, scrambled eggs, and intimate conversations.
Collette speaks of the experience as transformative, describing the cast as a true “family.” They were reluctant to see the project end, playfully brainstorming ideas for prequels or sequels, a testament to the powerful connection they’d forged. It was a rare and precious experience, one she feels incredibly fortunate to have been a part of.
Throughout her career, Collette has gravitated towards emotionally challenging roles, including projects like “Unbelievable” and “Hereditary.” She learned to protect herself from the intensity of these parts, realizing the power of the mind to manifest feelings, whether real or imagined.
Before “Hereditary,” Collette admits to a pattern of emotional and physical exhaustion at the end of demanding films. She consciously shifted her approach during that production, prioritizing self-care and finding a way to navigate the darkness without being consumed by it. It was a pivotal moment in her understanding of her own process.
Collette isn’t a proponent of “method acting,” but she acknowledges the importance of fully committing to a role. She emphasizes the power of intention and the need to be mindful of the impact a role can have on one’s well-being.
Looking back at her filmography, Collette fondly remembers “In Her Shoes,” a 2005 film with Cameron Diaz. While successful, she believes it deserved a wider audience, praising the director, Curtis Hanson, and the story’s beautiful exploration of sisterhood. She reflects on the responsibility of bringing a film to the world and the often unpredictable nature of its reception.
Like Winslet, Collette harbors a desire to direct, with several projects in development. She has a knack for recognizing talent in first-time directors, consistently choosing to collaborate with those taking their initial steps. She’s often surprised by actors who shy away from these opportunities, viewing them as invaluable learning experiences.
Collette’s perspective is refreshingly candid. She observes that many directors lack a clear vision, leaving the cast to navigate uncertainty. She believes a director’s primary role is to make decisive choices and guide the creative process.
Despite a career spanning over three decades, Collette remains grounded and authentic. She maintains a healthy distance from the Hollywood machine, identifying more strongly with her Australian roots. She’s learned to tune out negativity, prioritizing her own artistic integrity and following her heart.
For Collette, a career is defined by its intentions. Her intention is simple: to act, to collaborate, and to uncover truth. It’s a philosophy that has guided her throughout her journey, and one that continues to inspire her work. She believes in the power of honest storytelling and the transformative potential of the art form.
