Natasha Bassett

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DIXIE LOCKE

IN FILM

ELVIS

PHOTOGRAPHY HADLEY ROSENBAUM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR DEBORAH FERGUSON
INTERVIEW TESSA SWANTEK

Natasha Bassett spent some of the 2020s in the 1950s, riding in a pink and black Cadillac with Dixie Locke Emmons, Elvis’ first love, as Graceland’s forest green shutters and marbled stone guardian lions shrank in the rear view mirror. Bassett and Locke’s Cadillac stopped in front of Marlowe’s Ribs and Restaurant in Memphis before they walked into the restaurant’s four walls peppered with Elvis memorabilia. Bassett, who plays Dixie Locke in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, had the strange and beautiful experience of talking to someone whose past doesn’t just dance around her head in foggy memories, it’s plastered to the walls around her. While the past can sometimes feel like ancient history, especially as Elvis has become a memorialized legend, it’s surreal how tangible it is in other’s eyes as Bassett spoke with Locke. Bassett tells us that her mom taught her to be like a tree whose roots remain strong no matter how rough the wind gets. As we discuss this concept of time, Bassett details her own roots and explains how Dixie Locke is a reminder of the life Elvis left behind. Bassett also tells us of her time in the past as she was transported to the world of Elvis on set through Catherine Martin’s costume design, Austin Butler’s portrayal of Elvis, and Baz Luhrmann’s meticulous direction. Bassett tells us that beauty is authenticity, and in that case, her portrayal of Dixie Locke and the Elvis film is beauty at its finest. View Elvis in theaters starting June 24, 2022, and look out for Bassett’s upcoming directorial and writing work!

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First, thanks so much for the interview! Before getting into your role as Dixie Locke in Elvis, I wanted to take some general themes of the film and ask you about how you can relate to them. There’s this overall concept of Elvis having to go back to his roots when he’s lost. How would you describe your own roots, or when you feel most at home?

Thanks for having me! I might be taking this question too literally but growing up, I was taught to be like a tree. My mum used this metaphor to teach me that no matter how rough the winds get and how awfully your branches could crack and flail, your roots must always remain strong. They’ll keep you planted in the ground and in touch with what’s real. So, it doesn’t matter where I am in the world but as long as I feel connected to my “roots,” I always feel at home. Being out in nature and amongst actual trees reminds me to step back from the minutiae of everyday life too.

Elvis’ roots were his “Memphis Mafia.” They were the family and friends he grew up with who constantly flowed in and out of his house at Graceland, even during the height of his fame. Having friends around me who I’ve known since I was an awkward kid help remind me who I am and what I’ve always set out to achieve.

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You moved from Sydney, Australia to New York at 19 years old to pursue acting. What do you remember feeling in New York- did you feel like the world was filled with opportunity or did you feel lost at the time?

I thought it was all going to be so easy! I moved to NYC knowing I’d move into some amazing apartment within the first week and I’d be living an episode of “Girls” the minute I ordered my first Starbucks. I wondered what went wrong as I dragged my suitcases to school every day, sleeping on classmate’s floors and stalking Craigslist every night. It’s easier to uproot your life when you’re younger and have less responsibilities. Especially when you’re totally naive like I was… but I never felt lost. I usually am at my best when faced with challenges. I never want things to be easy, otherwise I’ll get bored. Even though it was really difficult, I was so stimulated and happy being surrounded by new places and people, seeking new ideas every day.

‘I could never get over the idea of what Elvis’ life might’ve been if he’d made the choice to stay with Dixie, his first true pure love, and have children in Memphis. His destiny could’ve been so different.
She did truly want the best for him and was maybe one of the few people in his life who gave a selfless love.’

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Elvis was filmed in Australia, and Baz Luhrmann recently said, “When I was growing up, if you wanted to be creative, you left Australia, and never came back. I think this new generation is in a place where you can actually go do your time around the world and grow, but absolutely, you can do the work here.” I wanted to get your comment on this statement because I think it’s so true that Hollywood isn’t necessarily the end all be all anymore for actors.

Absolutely! We’re so lucky to live in this technological age where anything is possible. Wherever you thrive, feel energized and at your very best is where you should be. It will improve the work and I find you end up attracting the right projects and people into your life that way. There’s a synergy to how these things come together. This is a bit of a trick, but I’ve heard through friends in the industry, of some people telling their reps or interviewers they’re in Hollywood, but they’ll need 48-hour notice for an in-person meeting. Wherever they are in the world, they’ll hop on a plane and land in LA for it a day later. Australia also attracts a vast amount of US productions so it’s possible to make a splash in Hollywood without ever leaving your hometown.

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Now getting into your role as Dixie Locke, did you have the chance to speak with her when preparing for the role?

When I was touring Graceland, I called Dixie on the telephone to say I was playing her in a movie and asked if I could please take her to dinner. She said yes! We rode in a pink and black Cadillac to “Marlowe’s,” a diner she’d been to with Elvis. It was totally surreal because Elvis covered the walls. She told me tales of their time together, but mostly I loved understanding the essence of who she is and seeing her loving, cheeky personality shine through during these amazing stories. I also met her sweet husband of over sixty years, Bobby, who she chose over Elvis. Who doesn’t want to meet the guy who contended with the King?

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I found the role of women in Elvis’ life to be particularly interesting, from his close relationship with his mom to Dixie Locke and Priscilla Presley. In the film, Dixie Locke seems to be a source of emotional support and stability at a time when his life is on the brink of changing. How do you conceptualize the role of a first love in a person’s life, especially relative to Dixie and Elvis?

I could never get over the idea of what Elvis’ life might’ve been if he’d made the choice to stay with Dixie, his first true pure love, and have children in Memphis. His destiny could’ve been so different. She did truly want the best for him and was maybe one of the few people in his life who gave selfless love. I’ve always drawn upon my own life experiences to color my characters and I understand what it is to love someone so deeply and selflessly. When Elvis plunges into a world of furious fame and wealth, she hopes to remind him of the life he is saying goodbye to… She eventually lets him go, giving him a form of ultimate love.

Face
Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
Le Correcteur De CHANEL Long wear concealer
Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
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Cheek Balm in 4 Wake -up Pink
Highlight : Baum Essential Multi use Glow Stick in Transparent
LIPS
Rouge Coco Baume 918 My Rose

Blouse : B.B. Collections at Tab Vintage, Leather Pants : Christian Dior at Tab Vintage ,
Heels : IRO Paris

Can you tell us a little more about your visit to Graceland?

It was amazing to see how Elvis’ legacy lives on even with young children. There were school excursions happening while I was there and kids as young as five years old were just in awe! Graceland is the second most visited home to the White House. He really affected a lot of people and I think it’s his generosity of spirit, along with many other incredible factors, that people connect to. He just wanted to give, give, give, and I’m inspired to be that same way.

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Since this interview is for our beauty section, we have to talk about the costumes and hair and makeup in the film. The team did an amazing job! Can you tell us what it was like to be transformed on set and be surrounded by others like Austin Butler as Elvis?

They really did! On my first day, I was marveling at the hundreds of beautiful people surrounding me, the exquisite costumes and sets and cranes looming over me. I thought, “Wow, this looks like some Baz Luhrmann movie…” I had to pinch myself to kick my bamboozled brain into gear. Baz’s genius attention to detail is infectious. Your job as an actor becomes ten times easier when you feel totally immersed in the world created on set. I felt truly transported and I’d come to set on days I wasn’t working just to watch. I wanted to pick up as many directing skills as I could from observing Baz and the collaborative way he commanded this film. Austin was so believable as Elvis; it was like stepping back in time and scoring free tickets to an Elvis concert!

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You looked so gorgeous at the Cannes Film Festival! Some people feel most beautiful when they are in full glam, while others don’t feel like themselves at events like that. When do you personally feel most beautiful?

Thank you! When we’re at events like that, we’re presenting an idea of what is beautiful. We’re taught what it’s meant to look like from a young age. I mean, I grew up with a Barbie doll… but some of my most successful shoots from the past have been when I’ve had zero make-up on, just rolled out of bed without even brushing my hair and looked into a camera. I’m more exposed and truthful that way. There’s no other choice but to be yourself. For me, that’s what beauty is- authenticity.

Blouse : B.B. Collections at Tab Vintage

Skin care
N°1 De CHANEL
Revitalizing Serum, Revitalizing Eye Cream,Revitalizing Face Cream
Face
Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
Le Correcteur De CHANEL Long wear concealer
Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream
Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Stick Blush N°21
Cheek Balm in 4 Wake -up Pink
Highlight : Baum Essential Multi use Glow Stick in Transparent

Eyes
Ombre Premiere Longer Cream
Eye Shadow in 804 Scintillance
Stylo Lumiere Regard in 557 Eclat
Le Volume De CHANEL Mascara in 10 Noir
Lips
Rouge Coco Baume 918 My Rose

Knit & Leggings: Chantal Thomas at Tab Vintage, Heels : CHANEL Metiers d’Art

CHANEL LA PAUSA LIMITED EDITION MAKEUP
BLUSH LUMIERE
ILLUMINATING BLUSH POWDER
IN
PECHE ROSEE
LIPS :
Rouge Coco Baume 918 My Rose

Cardigan, Jewelry : CHANEL Métiers d’Art

What can we look forward to next from you?

I’m excited to be directing my first feature. It’s like a modern Bonnie and Clyde with all the laughs. I’ve also written a dark comedy series about a scammer girl living in a Reno airport. I love the light that springs out of the darkest subject matters.