Mexico City /
The Australian Leila George He is building his own path in the world of acting. His next project is the long-awaited series of Alfonso Cuaron, Disclaimerreleased in the Venice Festival. This adaptation of the novel of the same name by Renée Knight shows George next to the movie star Cate Blanchett. Both play the lead role of Catherine Ravenscroft, an acclaimed writer who begins to unravel when a secret from her past is revealed in the novel she is reading.
We recently did a photo shoot in New York, in which we showed Leila George’s versatility as an actress. In this conversation with M Magazine MILLENNIUMGeorge reflects on his experiences, the nuances of his character, and his interaction with visionary director Alfonso Cuarón.
How did you end up playing Catherine Ravenscroft?
I received a call from my agent telling me that Alfonso Cuarón would find me the next day to talk about a project called Disclaimer. They didn’t send me a script, but the story is based on a book with the same name, so I downloaded it and read it in one night. I wanted to do everything I could to prepare for the call. When I spoke to him the next day, he told me a little about the project and then said, “So, would you like to play Catherine?” I was so surprised that my first words were, “You’re kidding!” I didn’t think twice; I simply said, “YES!” I’m not sure if I will ever truly know why or how he chose me, but I will always be grateful. This job has been an incredible experience. I have learned a lot and have had the honor of working alongside some of the most talented people in this industry.
I heard that Cuarón wasn’t very happy that you had read the book, why was that?
I think he wanted me to discover the truth of the story through the script. Without giving away spoilers, the series takes a lot from Renée Knight’s extraordinary novel of the same name. I think fans will appreciate how Alfonso manages to balance respect for the source material with fresh elements.
How did you prepare to play this role?
They hired me and three days later I was on a flight to London to start filming. Sometimes having so little time is useful; leaves no room for nerves. My first step for any role is to deeply analyze the script. When I read it, I immediately put myself in Catherine’s shoes, justifying her behavior from the beginning. I remember reading the script and noticing how the other characters judged her, calling her evil. It wasn’t until I watched the series, a year or so after filming, that I realized how dark and twisted the character I was playing was.
Despite her actions, did you connect with any part of Catherine?
We can all relate to the desire to leave a legacy and be remembered for more than just our roles in the lives of others. Catherine longs for more than her identity as a mother and wife, which drives her actions in the first four episodes.
Lighting played a crucial role in Disclaimer. How did it affect your performance?
All my scenes were lit by El Chivo (Emanuel Lubezki). Since many of them involved nudity, knowing he was behind the camera made me feel more comfortable. The results are impressive and tasteful. I wish I could light up my life!
You’ve mentioned that you had doubts about acting because of your parents’ success. What changed for you?
I had just completed a year at Sydney Film School, focusing on behind-the-scenes work, with plans to do a master’s degree in film. However, I wasn’t excited about that path. I called my dad, who was teaching at the Lee Strasberg Institute in New York, and he asked me what scared me the most. I confessed it was the performance. He suggested I try a semester at Strasberg, which turned into a two-year commitment. After my decision, my parents said they “always knew” I was destined for acting, but they didn’t want to pressure me. My mom and I toasted it, and her words were: “Welcome to the club.” They are very proud of me.
Your mother is a great supporter of environmental causes. Do you follow in his footsteps?
I have collaborated with my mother on the FishLove campaign, which has managed to raise awareness about sustainable fishing. I am always trying to leave a planet better than the one I found when I came into the world. I firmly believe that helping others is the ultimate cure when you are going through a difficult time in your life.
I raised funds during the Australian bushfires in 2020. That same year, I was an assistant to Ann Lee, the CEO of Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) during the pandemic, helping to set up testing sites in the US, including the Navajo Nation. That was the most difficult but also the most rewarding job I have ever done. In 2022, I traveled with my mom to Poland and Ukraine to explore ways to help. I’ve been focusing on family lately, but I’m eager to get back to humanitarian efforts.
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