Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Photography Kourtney Kyung Smith
Creative Director Deborah Ferguson
Interview by Laasya Gadiyaram
In her new show, A Gentleman in Moscow, Mary Elizabeth Winstead brings her character to life—literally. Based on the wildly successful novel, the Showtime series streaming on Paramount captures the nuances of a post-Revolutionary Russia. Anna, a starlet actress, navigates both this new reality as well as her own development. In our interview, Mary and I talk about compelling narratives, period pieces, and Anna’s character arc!
A Gentleman in Moscow is an adaptation of a written work. Has the original novel informed your approach in any way?
I think any time there is original source material for a project, I always want to dive in and be inspired by it in whatever way it speaks to me. A Gentleman in Moscow is a rare gem of a book- every page is really a delight. I found it so moving, poignant, funny and thought provoking, and all of those feelings added to my passion for the project and for the character of Anna. Obviously the character was so beautifully captured in the book and those details were very helpful, but the added excitement of stepping into this role and in this world Amor created was in itself beneficial to the process.
What do you think makes a great adaptation?
I’m not sure I’m really qualified to answer that in any real analytical way. I read scripts and either it works for me or it doesn’t. Either it connects emotionally or it doesn’t. I imagine adapting a novel into a movie or series must be a gargantuan task. Trying to decide what will work on screen versus on the page. I’m glad I get to show up and play the part.
Are there any particular narratives that you find yourself gravitating towards?
I always need to be able to feel an emotional pull towards a story, and to understand it on some sort of deeper level than might appear on the surface. It always changes depending on where I am at in my life. As I get older, universal themes resonate with me like love, loss and parenthood- A Gentleman in Moscow is a perfect example of that. It’s this sweeping epic but ultimately it’s about the simplest of connections and how much they mean in our lives.
You act alongside your husband in A Gentleman in Moscow. What has it been like to work with your partner?
It’s truly a joy in every way. He is my favorite actor, and the person I love to be around the most. Having the opportunity to become the Count and Anna together felt like a real privilege- to be acting together and in roles that lit us both up as artists; there’s really nothing better.
Set in post-Revolutionary Russia, A Gentleman in Moscow is a period piece. What do you enjoy about working on a period piece? Are there challenges to it?
There is a certain modernity to the approach Sam and Ben took with this project, and there was definitely a freedom in that. They didn’t want it to feel stuffy and stiff- they wanted viewers to feel close to these characters, not like something they are seeing in a history book. So I tried to imagine what it would be like to be this woman at this time, did my research, and then I just let all of that come out in whatever way felt natural to me.
Dress & Flower Choker Necklace: Chanel SS24, Black Lace Bra: Zhilyov, Tights: Wolford, Sling Back Pumps: Charles & Keith, Necklace: Talent’s Personal
How do you think the historical costuming in the show contributes to its broader themes?
Our costume designer Sam Perry did such an incredible job. The attention to detail is stunning and adds so much to the authenticity of every moment. I could not have felt like Anna without Anna’s clothes- it was integral to everything. When I put them on, I felt the history of the garments in a way that aided me so much in bringing her to life.
Has the historical costuming influenced or inspired your own style in any ways?
I definitely took a few of the pieces home with me, and I honestly wish I could dress like that every day. Modern life doesn’t quite allow for it from a practical standpoint though, which is unfortunate.
Top: H&M Studio, Jeans: R13, Double Loop Venti Jean, Windsor Blue, Midnight Blue Kitten Heels: Kenzo S24, Earrings: Chanel, Black Tights: Wolford
T-Shirt V-Neck Boxy – Ecru: R13m Black Tights: Wolford, Acrylic Heel Mules: Sara Wong, Heart Textured Gold Earrings: H&M Studio, Black Gloves: Paume Los Angeles, Black Sunglasses: Sportmax, Necklace: Talent’s Personal
You play an actress in the show. Has any of your own personal experience informed how you approach the character?
There are definitely moments in the show where we focus on Anna’s career and the affects on her emotionally as she goes through various ups and downs. It was all incredibly relatable. The stakes for Anna are so much higher than I could ever imagine, as being in or out of favor could have such dire ramifications for her. Somehow Sam and Ben managed to keep those stakes but also make her journey feel very current and relevant to so many of the conversations around women in the industry now. It resonated with me so much, and I was thrilled to explore that in the show.
Top: H&M Studio, Jeans: R13, Double Loop Venti Jean, Windsor Blue, Midnight Blue Kitten Heels: Kenzo S24, Earrings: Chanel, Black Tights: Wolford