British actor Sally Hawkins, who charmed TIFF audiences two years ago as the irrepressible Poppy in Happy-Go-Lucky, is back in Toronto with Made in Dagenham, which premiered here Saturday night. Directed by Nigel Cole (Calendar Girls), the story is based on the real-life battle that led to a 1968 strike by female machinists at the Ford plant in Dagenham, an East London suburb. The workers fought for wage parity with male co-workers on the auto line.
Hawkins plays Rita, a wife, mother and factory worker who ends up leading the fight, taking the women’s cause all the way to London for an historic meeting with British cabinet member Barbara Castle (played by Miranda Richardson).
The effervescent Hawkins chatted enthusiastically about Dagenham and being back in Toronto.
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Q: How would Rita have reacted to being called a feminist?
A: That’s an interesting question, because I don’t think it was ever viewed in that way. Of course, it’s a feminist film with a feminist message, but it’s about universal issues about being human and prejudice. These women weren’t politically savvy; that’s what’s so refreshing about them and their fight and their story.
Q: Did you meet any of the women? Is Rita based on one of them?
A: She is an amalgamation, because from reading the history, there were quite a few that led the fight, but the fight spanned many years. I did meet three of the women and I really wanted to do that. I also went to Dagenham on my own and had a look around. The (now-closed) factory is a huge, giant monster but quite sad because it’s a skeleton.
Q: The plot of this film echoes Norma Rae in many ways. Did you watch that movie?
A: I have seen it, although I avoided seeing it for a while. I love Sally Field (who won a Best Actress Oscar for playing union organizer Rae) and I didn’t want to watch it before. I don’t want to take from Sally Field. You want to create your own thing, but having seen the film later, it’s just the hugest compliment that people are even comparing it to that. It’s a beautiful film.
Q: Fashion also plays a role in Dagenham, the swinging ’60s outfits and Rita’s desire to dress for success when she finally goes to London.
A: (Producer) Stephen Woolley was quite particular that we were in Dagenham; we’re not in King’s Road. It’s not Austin Powers. These are real women and that’s what you see them wearing. It’s very true to the people and the fashion of the day.
Q: Speaking of movies about women making history, is it true you’re going to play (Irish republican activist and youngest-ever British MP) Bernadette Devlin?
A: I really hope that happens. We’re working out dates. I worked with the director, Aisling Walsh, on (TV series) Fingersmith. She’s extraordinary.
Q: How is your Irish accent?
A: Pretty good. I’m half Irish.
Q: What does it mean to have another movie at TIFF — three, including playing Miss Lucy in Never Let Me Go, which is also here.
A: I feel incredibly lucky. It’ a brilliant position to be in as an actor. There are so many films here and Toronto is huge and such a top festival. It’s very classy and it seems to be growing. It is, isn’t it?
Linda
Barnard is a former Toronto Star staff reporter who is
currently a freelance contributor for The Star.
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