Ottessa Moshfegh is a writer who has an unreserved talent for creating characters—especially women—that arouse strong feelings in her readers because they are repulsive, frequently exhibit egoistic tendencies, and are untrustworthy.
Moshfegh creates fantastical universes that resemble our reality while reflecting our habits and behaviours. It’s an amazing experience.
These days, Moshfegh’s crazy writing is making its way onto the big screen thanks to the film adaptation of her debut novel Eileen, which stars Anne Hathaway and Thomasin McKenzie in the key parts.
‘Eileen’: When and Where Can You Watch It?
Thomasin McKenzie in the title role on the EileenImage courtesy NEON poster
Eileen is slated to open in select theatres on December 1, 2023, and it promises to captivate audiences with its enigmatic storyline and riveting performances.
With a wider release date of December 8, 2023, the film will cater to a larger audience as the excitement surrounding it grows.
Eileen’s worldwide distribution will enable it to have a wider audience and expand on the buzz created by its triumphant 2023 Sundance Film Festival debut.
Who Makes Up Eileen’s Cast?
The stars of Thomasin McKenzie, Anne Hathaway, and EileenPhoto credit: Jefferson Chacon
Anne Hathaway and Thomasin McKenzie lead an outstanding ensemble cast in Eileen. McKenzie plays the title character, Eileen Dunlop, while Hathaway plays Rebecca, a crucial figure in the narrative.
Eileen is a quiet and unhappy young woman, so it will be interesting to watch how McKenzie plays the part and brings out her nuanced yet deep-seated complexity. Dr. Rebecca, who stands behind her, exudes confidence and self-assurance and exudes mystery in every situation.
As such, we eagerly anticipate the contrast between McKenzie’s quiet representation and Hathaway’s powerful presence.
You take on these personalities because they frequently frighten you, and you’re not sure if you’ll be able to understand them or if you will, in fact.
They were claiming that Will would be able to provide some clarification to the character when I would get lost.
Thomasin was the same. She has the ability to be there in a situation at all times, which is a really hard thing to achieve in acting.
Because everyone believes that you may choose between “action” and “cut” when someone calls for “action,” but she’s always there to give you; even if I drop the mike, she doesn’t behave as though it didn’t. You know what I mean? She picks it up.
I had the impression that she was there several times. For example, during a difficult five-page two-hander sequence we had by the fire, she was very much there.
‘Eileen’: What Is It About?
In an alleyway in EileenImage via NEON, Anne Hathaway converses with Thomasin McKenzie
Eileen won several accolades and critical praise after its premiere.
It was chosen as a finalist for the coveted Man Booker Prize and won the PEN/Hemingway Award.
The story revolves around Eileen, a young woman working in a jail in Massachusetts in the 1960s, who lives with her problematic, alcoholic father, a former police officer, who constantly tries to make life difficult for her.
Eileen encounters the endearing but strange Dr. Rebecca, a jail psychologist, who may mark a turning point in her life, despite her boring routine and profound yearning for some company and excitement in her life.
She gives Eileen a helping hand and gradually reveals aspects of Eileen’s personality that have been dormant for a while.
A suspenseful story of concealment and discovery is set in motion as Eileen’s bond with Rebecca grows and she inadvertently becomes mixed up in the counselor’s dark, hidden history.
Character-driven, Eileen explores loneliness, desire, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. In her darkly funny work, Moshfegh skillfully explores the protagonist’s mind to craft a compelling story that is both vivid and evocative.
The novel’s tension builds gradually, causing a feeling of unease and anticipation throughout the narrative.
Since Moshfegh and her husband Luke Goebel co-wrote the script, we can anticipate that the same feelings will be present in the adaptation, as she emphasises the process of turning a book into a film. In an interview with Collider, Moshfegh stated:
When adapting a novel into a film, the author must view the work through a particular lens, which in this case is the camera.
This requires the author to think like a director, cinematographer, and character, as well as thinking like the character ten years ago and as a writer.
Therefore, it is essential to work with people who can assist dissolve the boundaries of your unique perspective and provide alternative perspectives on your project.
Who Produces “Eileen”?
Director William Oldroyd of EileenImage via Photagonist Eileen has an accomplished group of producers and directors.
William Oldroyd returns to directing feature-length films with this one, having previously helmed 2016’s Lady Macbeth, which helped Florence Pugh become a household name.
During the Collider interview, Oldroyed brought up the possibility that Eileen may be polarising.
Ottessa Moshfegh and Luke Goebel, two screenwriters, collaborated on this movie. Stefanie Azpiazu, Anthony Bregman, Peter Cron, Luke Goebel, Ottessa Moshfegh, William Oldroyd, and Bavand Karim are in charge of the production.
The film’s musical score is composed by Richard Reed Parry, with photography by the Academy Award-nominated Ari Wegner, editing by the accomplished Nick Emerson.
