Rachel Mcadams Explains How Motherhood Inspired Her New Film
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Movie star Rachel McAdams has shared how being a mom shaped her approach to her latest film, ‘Are you there God? It’s Me, Margaret’. The 44-year-old actress, who shot to fame as a 25-year-old after the release of ‘Mean Girls,’ is a mother to two young children whom she shares with long-time boyfriend, Jamie Linden.
Her new film is about an 11-year girl called Margaret who is trying to navigate her way through adolescence at the end of the 20th century while being raised by religious parents. McAdams plays the role of Margaret’s mother, Barbara, and has spoken about how much fun she had making the movie.
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At an early screening for the media, McAdams spoke to ET Online about her role in the film and how motherhood has been a huge influence on how she’s tackled the role. She said:
“Coming to this as a mom was very different for me. To see through those eyes, you just remind yourself of what it was to be that age, and how hard it was. I’m like ‘oh don’t worry about that stuff’ but of course, you’re worrying about that stuff.
It’s so sort of patronizing to say, ‘it’ll be fine’ so you’ve got to get back in your 11-year-old skin and realize how much everything mattered. So trying to do that when playing Barb, but at the same time trying to be wise for this little girl and be the big person and put my big girl pants on. It was interesting to have read the book as a mother and approach it from there.”
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Advice for Her Younger Self
The book deals with some interesting topics, such as how young girls deal with menstruation and their love life as they enter their teenage years. As a mother to a young daughter, this is something that McAdams will have to help her navigate through in many years to come.
Asked about what she would advise her pre-teen self, McAdams said:
“I would tell her that it’s going to get easier. It gets really fun the older you get, and I think it gets easier. But I don’t know that I’d want to go back!
If I could go back with all the wisdom I have now, sure. But if I just had to go right back? No way. No, thank you.”
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Advice for the Regina George
When McAdams first burst onto the acting scene, she was playing a teenage girl going through the trials and tribulations that older children have to contend with at high school. The role of Regina George is one of the most iconic among people of that generation and for the first time, the role has recently been recast.
Renee Rapp is due to the play the ultimate high school “mean girl” in the musical adaption of the original film and production has already started. Offering advice to the new Regina, McAdams said:
“I don’t think she can do any wrong. She is amazing. She’s already got me beat with that voice, so I’m just excited to see her incarnation. It’s such a great character and so much fun to play so I hope she has a great time with it. I can’t wait to see it.”
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As a full-time working mom of three, I know what it’s like to feel like life is out of balance and out of control.
While I don’t have it all figured out, I am committed to sharing helpful tips and tricks with other mommas who are ready to break free from negativity, ditch mom guilt, & finally, live life on their own terms.