Actress Nicola Coughlan emphasizes the importance of portraying authenticity on screen by eschewing vanity. She mentions the significance of appearing “ugly and messy” for her role in the comedy series Big Mood.
The actress says it was crucial to look “ugly and messy” in her new role in comedy series Big Mood.
In her portrayal of budding playwright Maggie in the Channel 4 dark comedy “Big Mood,” she appears rather disheveled in certain scenes.
Maggie, joined closely with her best friend, bar owner Eddie, portrayed by “It’s a Sin” star Lydia West, experiences a significant challenge in their 10-year friendship when her bipolar disorder resurfaces. This disorder propels her from exuberant highs to profound lows.
During bouts of severe depression, Maggie finds herself immobilized on the sofa, her apartment in disarray, and her personal grooming neglected.
Eddie attempts to persuade Maggie to change her mind, but this proves ineffective due to the complexity of the situation.
Coughlan, known for her portrayal of Penelope Featherington in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton, emphasizes the importance of appearing “unattractive and disheveled” to authentically portray Maggie.
“I strongly dislike on-screen vanity,” she expresses to the BBC.
“As actors, we’re fortunate to attend red carpet events, don glamorous attire, and work with glam teams.
“I’m thinking, ‘Save that for later. Keep it out of the show’.”
Camilla Whitehill, the writer for Big Mood, has been close with Coughlan ever since their time together at drama school 15 years ago.
“None of those fake lashes. And ditch the makeup – not even a consideration,” Whitehill chuckles, remembering what she jotted down in the script notes.
Whitehill penned the series with Coughlan in mind – their shared laughter solidifying a friendship that remains robust to this day.
The actress elaborates on the significance of authenticity on camera, expressing, “I firmly believe that audiences possess greater insight than commonly perceived. They have a keen sense for authenticity, and it’s essential for me to honor Camilla’s script and the integrity of the show by portraying Maggie without pretense or vanity.”
This approach streamlined her morning routine, as she didn’t exert any effort in preparation. “There were instances where I glanced at myself and acknowledged, ‘Wow, I don’t look great.’ However, I prioritized comfort above all else.”
Maggie frequently wears pajama bottoms and slogan T-shirts, and they both delight in selecting her outfits.
The series portrays both comedic and uncomfortable moments, yet it also delves into the serious implications of bipolar disorder, particularly its profound effects on Maggie and those in her life.
Bipolar disorder, as described by the NHS website, is a mental health condition characterized by mood swings that oscillate between extremes. Formerly referred to as manic depression, symptoms encompass episodes involving Depression involves experiencing profound sadness and lethargy, while mania entails feeling intensely euphoric and excessively energetic
In 2019, Coughlan openly discussed her personal struggles with mental health, revealing to Glamour magazine about experiencing a bout of depression that rendered her unable to leave her bed. She credited her family and friends for providing crucial support during this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of ending societal stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Engaging with Big Mood presented a fresh challenge.
“When I delved into the scripts, the theme of depression initially struck me as profoundly sorrowful. Yet, it’s a universal experience for many. It’s a grim reality, but one that’s prevalent in our world.”
“The manic episodes were something I struggled to grasp fully, and contemplating how it must feel for her to experience such extreme shifts in mood, from euphoria to despair, is incredibly challenging.”
Coughlan emphasizes that “Big Mood” focuses on Maggie’s personal journey, rather than solely on her illness.
“She’s a humorous individual who happens to live with bipolar disorder, so my priority was to portray her as authentically as possible.”
“It’s a bit uneasy because discussing antipsychotic medication is often less accepted, but I believe Camilla has executed it brilliantly.”
Whitehill expresses appreciation for the initiation of dialogue surrounding mental health but expresses disdain for the term itself, comparing it to the oddity of referring to cancer as “physical health.” Whitehill acknowledges progress in discussing conditions like depression and anxiety but highlights the overlooked severity of less palatable mental illnesses. Whitehill emphasizes the need for societal improvement in aiding individuals suffering from severe mental illnesses.
Whitehill and Coughlan are well-versed in another significant theme of the series: the bonds of female friendship.
Maggie and Eddie share a deep affection for one another, yet their relationship is fraught with challenges. While their love is evident, it often veers into unhealthy dependency, as noted by Coughlan. Whitehill centers the narrative on millennials, spanning from the early 1980s to the turn of the millennium, reflecting the struggles and dynamics of their age group.
“I believe that female friendships, as well as friendships in general, deserve more representation because of the significant impact they have on our lives,” she expresses.
“In the past, perhaps marriage at a young age led to a focus on family, but nowadays, friendships remain integral, shaping our lives in ways they didn’t before.
“A rupture in a friendship can be just as emotionally impactful, whether devastating or exhilarating, as in a romantic relationship, in my opinion.”
She finds it “an enjoyable subject to delve into creatively.”
“I hold my friendships in high regard. My affection for my friends is profound, making this work both a tribute to friendship and an examination of its complexities.”
Coughlan, who recently starred as Diplomat Barbie in the blockbuster hit “Barbie,” emphasizes the importance of featuring women prominently in the arts.
“It’s simply not good business to overlook diverse audiences. Take ‘Barbie,’ for instance, which grossed $1 billion. It demonstrates that women desire representation on screen.
“The overwhelming turnout and the sea of pink attests to more than just a fascination with doll-themed movies; it’s about showcasing women’s narratives.
“She highlights the success of major entertainment spectacles such as Beyonce’s Renaissance tour and Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, underscoring that audiences crave seeing women take the spotlight.”
“We’re in dire need of it, yet there’s a multitude of men in formal attire expressing uncertainty about its appeal. We’re here to affirm, ‘Regardless of the why, people resonate with it, so it warrants investment’.”
Coughlan considers starring in Big Mood a fortunate opportunity as it offers a new and exciting challenge following her roles in Derry Girls and Bridgerton. She expresses gratitude for the chance to tackle something different.
“Maggie possesses a unique essence. Portraying her is unlike any other character I’ve played before. She exudes a remarkable blend of boldness, strength, and complexity.
This is the type of character that many actors, especially those with writer acquaintances, dream of being crafted for them.
I believe audiences will glean profound insights from her portrayal.”
she expressed her distaste for vanity in the portrayal of characters, preferring authenticity above all else. It’s refreshing to see an actress embrace the nuances of real human experiences and I couldn’t agree more with her perspective.
Coughlan’s commitment to bringing authenticity to her roles is truly admirable. Instead of getting caught up in superficial representations, she aims to capture the complexities and idiosyncrasies of her characters. This approach not only adds depth to her performances but also resonates with audiences on a deeper level.
Her stance on embracing authenticity over vanity in her roles is a breath of fresh air in an industry often fixated on appearances. It’s evident that Coughlan’s dedication to her craft goes beyond the surface, and her commitment to portraying genuine, relatable characters is truly inspiring.
As audiences, we can appreciate and support actors like Nicola Coughlan who prioritize authenticity and bring an added layer of depth to their performances. Here’s to more genuine portrayals on screen and to Nicola Coughlan for setting the bar high!
Read More: Bridgerton star goes from screen to stage
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