Mia Goth

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Mia Goth is an English actress and model. At 14, she was discovered by Storm Model Management and went on to star in campaigns for Miu Miu and Prada and appeared in the pages of Vogue. Her acting career began at 19 when she starred in Lars von Trier’s “Nymphomaniac: Vol II.” Goth’s unique look and ability to transform into complex, and sometimes dark, characters has carved out a unique space for her in the film industry, landing roles in many psychological thriller and horror films, including “The Survivalist” and “Suspiria.” Her newest project is a step outside of her usual role, portraying Harriet Smith in the 2020 iteration of Jane Austen’s beloved comedy “Emma.” The film is Autumn de Wilde’s directorial debut and hit theaters on February 14th.

Interview by Sydney Nash.

You lived in multiple countries throughout your childhood and moved around a lot. How did this experience shape your future introduction to performance. Where do you consider “home” to be?

Living in various countries and being exposed to different languages and ways of living was an education in and of itself. I went to several schools in year 5 alone. I knew I wasn’t going to be anywhere for long, so I began experimenting with my character as a way of trying to fit in. I would alter my behavior and embellish on certain facts about my life. Reflecting back on that period of time, it was probably my first introduction to performance. Me tapping into various facets of myself, turning some things up, other things down, and exploring what that is in relation to the world around me.

Dress, tights, and heels: Chanel

At 14, you were signed as a model, going on to have a successful career in the industry. What was this experience like for you, and how did it influence your foray into acting?

It was an incredible launch pad into acting. It gave me the opportunity to become more relaxed in front of the camera. It provided me with a taste of what set life is: lots of people with various tasks all working together towards a mutual goal. I am very grateful for the doors that it opened, but acting has always been my real passion and modeling helped me to realize that potential.

Dress, tights, and heels: Chanel

Fashion and entertainment are closely intertwined but also very different. What aspects of each industry do you find most inspiring?

I am so impressed with designers and how they are constantly coming up with new creations. Getting inspiration both from our world today and throughout history. Taking something old and making it new again. I love that. The same can be said for cinema, too. There are themes explored in films that are timeless and universal. The creativity and the fun of it lies in exploring fresh ways of telling stories that are fitting to the world around us today and will connect with audiences.

Dress Bibhu Mohapatra, Ankle boots: Chanel

Tell me about your first introduction to performance.

My first ever job was Nymphomaniac: Vol. II, directed by Lars Von Trier. I was 18 years old. It was life-changing, and some of my most cherished memories come from that period of time. Lars really set the stage for me, as it were, as to the direction I wanted to go in with my life. I learned so much whilst filming and feel so deeply grateful for that experience.

Dress Bibhu Mohapatra, Ankle boots: Chanel

You’ve starred in many notable films, including the recent remake of Suspiria, High Life, and Everest. What’s been the most challenging role of your career, and which one has been the most transformative?

The most challenging role so far has been in Suspiria. I had no prior dance training, therefore I had to learn a whole new art form. I really loved it. It was a completely immersive experience and took me out of my comfort zone. My most transformative role has to be Harriet Smith in Emma. She is unlike anyone I have ever portrayed before and from a world I had very little understanding of, yet her spirit was something I really connected to.

Dress Bibhu Mohapatra, Heels: Chanel

Do you feel drawn to any particular genre when it comes to acting? What draws you to a project?

First and foremost, it’s the director I am initially drawn to. The script is very important, too. I don’t choose projects based on its genre. What matters to me is the story that is being told, that characters that it’s exploring, and if I connect to what’s on the page.

Blouse, shorts, boots: Chloe

You play Harriet Smith in the much-anticipated remake of Emma. Tell me a bit about this reiteration of Austen’s classic comedy and what makes it stand out from other versions.

I think Autumn’s reiteration is superb. She has managed to capture the wonderfully human flaws of the characters, the awkwardness of the times, and the beautiful surroundings in a very true and colorful likeness to what I feel Jane Austen had originally envisioned.

What drew you to the role of Harriet Smith?

The dirctor, Autumn de Wilde.

Dress Bibhu Mohapatra, Heels: Chanel

The film is visually stunning, including the costuming. What was your favorite part about working on the period film?

I loved the people that I worked with. Autumn assembled that kindest, funniest, most genuine group of actors together. To have a chance to work with them, in all the extraordinary locations, in the most beautiful costumes, was a dream.

Blouse, shorts, boots: Chloe

Dress Bibhu Mohapatra, Heels: Chanel

Jane Austen is famous for her humorous wit and dialogue. Tell me what it was like to translate her original work from text to the script to your performance. Was it at all intimidating to be portraying such beloved literary heroines?

Not at all. I had total trust in Autumn. She made the whole process seamless. She is a great director with such a strong vision. She tied everything together beautifully.

Dress Bibhu Mohapatra, Ankle boots: Chanel

While still loyal to the original work’s era and setting, the film still touches on themes that are timeless. What aspects of the film do you think will resonate with audiences most?

It’s a love story through and through that never gets old. It’s an essential component to all of our lives.

Dress Bibhu Mohapatra, Heels: Chanel

You also star in the short film The Staggering Girl, which was directed by Luca Guadagnino (director of Suspiria) and releases on February 15. What can you tell us about this film and your role in it?

I love Luca so much. He is such an amazing director and one of the sweetest people I know. So to work with him again was a joy.

Dress and boots: Chloe

What are you looking forward to most in the upcoming year? What’s next for you?

I wrapped a movie in Croatia very recently called Mayday. That was a very unique experience and totally different to Emma. I can’t wait to see it. That will be released later this year. There are some really great projects coming up, but it’s too early to discuss them.