Charlize Theron

The legendary actress’ latest film, the historical drama, The Martian, is out in theaters now! She plays a NASA astronaut who’s stranded on Mars and struggles to survive—and she looks amazing doing it.

I had the opportunity to speak with Charlize Theron about her fascinating life and career, and what it’s like to play a historical figure on the big screen. Here, we discuss what it was like for Theron to portray astronaut Amelia Earhart and how her life experiences have informed her work.

Amelia Earhart: Hero or Villain?

The Martian is based on the true story of Amelia Earhart, the woman who was both a pioneering aviator and a figurehead for a feminist movement. The film is a biopic about Earhart’s life, and Theron’s character, Maria, is inspired by the real-life American pilot. This makes Theron’s portrayal of Earhart a fascinating blend of fact and fiction.

It’s clear that Theron took her role as Maria very seriously, and it shows in everything she does. The actress has previously said about playing the aviator:

“She is a real-life hero; she is a legend,” said Theron. “She was ahead of her time. She was incredibly unique, and what is even more unique is that she was a pioneer for women. She paved the way for us. There is a reason that she is called ‘The First Lady of Flight.'”

The Making of The Martian

The Martian was shot almost entirely in Australia, with some outdoor scenes filmed in Iceland. It’s a beautiful country, and the scenery is spectacular. But it’s also cold, which makes for some pretty dramatic scenes. In one scene, Theron’s character is frozen in an icy landscape, where she struggles to keep her footing as the ground crumbles beneath her feet. It’s no wonder that the movie is set in the far north of the planet. The production designer went above and beyond to make this look like Earth, even down to the colors of the sky and the leaves on the trees. It’s a breathtaking sight.

Feminism & The Challenges Of Playing A Role As Historical As This One

Amelia Earhart was a trailblazer for women in her day, and much of The Martian centers around her quest for equality. The character of Maria is a feminist who campaigns for women’s rights, and it is wonderful to see how Theron’s portrayal of this iconic figure challenges the status quo. We see how challenging and how far-reaching this figure’s influence is, and it makes her a fascinating character to dive into.

There is also the matter of the costume. When I read the script for The Martian, I was initially a little underwhelmed by the notion of going from zero to 60 in a matter of seconds in order to save the day. But when I saw the costume design for the main character, Maria, I became slightly obsessed with the idea. This is certainly not your grandmother’s house dress, as much as I love a good old-fashioned taffeta ball gown. (Though, to be fair, it was probably the most practical option for a female astronaut in the early 20th century.) But these are definitely clothes that would have been suitable for a night out on the town in New York City, back in the day. And this, my friends, is what makes The Martian such an interesting movie. It truly is the costume ball.

A Life-Changing Experience

It should come as no surprise that an iconic figure like Amelia Earhart would have such a profound influence on someone who decides to portray her. The role of Maria is inherently transformative, and it gave Theron a whole new understanding of what it means to be a woman, a mother, and a wife. Here, she is married to an RAF pilot named Gerald (played by Jason Clarke), with whom she’s had a child. But the two aren’t settled down yet, and they constantly travel the world in search of adventure. This is an important part of their relationship. (One of the scenes where they have a fight is particularly telling. They’re furious at each other, but it’s obvious that they love each other all the same. Their feelings for one another are so strong that it’s almost painful to watch.)

Being a wife and a mother has changed everything about Theron’s life. But it’s also given her a greater appreciation for what is important in her own life and for those around her. It has made her a more humble person and, as a result, a much better actress. And let’s be honest, she is phenomenal. Besides, being a wife and a mother has made her incredibly appreciative of good costume design (of which she has dozens to her name). This is particularly telling of her humility, as she is extremely proud of her work and often refers to it fondly. (This is also why she didn’t want to do glamorous interviews for the sake of the press. That was then. This is now. She prefers to do interviews in interesting and creative ways that allow her to truly show her talents.)

Rocking The Role

The Martian boasts an incredible supporting cast, including an impressive array of A-list actors. It also has a diverse group of supporting characters, including a blacksmith, a French girl, and a Chinese doctor. This is a film with many sides. Besides the fact that it is based on real events that happened 70 years ago, it explores a wide array of social issues, including feminism, racism, and homophobia. It’s a fascinating look at a real historical event from an entirely new perspective. The world is a very different place now, but there are still echoes of the past in every society.

The Martian is a movie that will speak to more people than you’d think. It’s a real gem that provides us with an interesting look at one of the most fascinating people and most important events of the early 20th century. And it does this while questioning many of our long-held beliefs about that time period and the people who lived it. This is something that rarely happens in a movie. (Maybe it will be the next Green Book. Or, you know, Spotlight.)

Ultimately, The Martian is a great testament to the power of cinema and the unique way that it can provoke and provoke thought. (And let’s be honest, when was the last time you thought about Amelia Earhart? Or the golden era of aviation? Or how women of that time period had to fight for the right to travel, learn to fly, and gain employment?)

It’s an incredible story, and it’s a story that we need to hear. Feminists, aviators, and history lovers alike will find this movie illuminating. But what really makes this film special is that it allows us to see history—and the people who made it—from a brand-new perspective. That’s something that no documentary or biopic could ever do. (Though, to be fair, they’ve all tried.)