HELLO TALIA RYDER, GOODBYE ANONYMITY
Talia Ryder has already appeared on Broadway, starred in an Olivia Rodrigo music video, and performed in acclaimed movies including Eliza Hittman’s 2020 indie, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, and Steven Spielberg’s epic cinematic adaptation of West Side Story. Now she’s landed the lead opposite Jordan Fisher in Netflix’s teen rom-com Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between.

Did you meet Jordan Fisher first in your screen test for Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between, to see if there was chemistry there?

No, we met for the first time after I had been offered the role. I auditioned and was cast during the pandemic so screen tests were impossible. Luckily, we had a lot in common both coming from a Broadway background and became friends quickly.

It’s a story that really covers various aspects of relationships, from vulnerability to loyalty, and possibly regret. What did you love most about the script, what made you want to take the role?

While I was reading the script it just seemed like a movie I would really want to watch. Falling in love at an age where your life is just starting is a universal experience that I haven’t seen depicted in a film like this before. It’s unique because it explores attachment styles and communication in a healthy and beautiful way. While Claire and Aiden have their flaws and hurt each other plenty, you get to watch the development of a really beautiful and loving relationship at a time in their lives where so much is undecided and changing.

Were you able to relate and empathise with any parts of your character?

I immediately saw myself in Claire. She and I are both extremely driven, and I think for that reason are hesitant when it comes to love out of fear of losing ourselves in a relationship.

How do you think the computer age, being online and social media have changed romance?

I think that social media and the times we’re living in have changed romance. Not only is it a whole new way to meet people but it’s also a whole other side of a relationship you have to manage. We communicate so much through texting and social media and there’s more opportunity for things to be misinterpreted.

Do you have a movie crush?

I just saw Elvis, so I have an acting crush on Austin Butler, he was such a compelling performer, and his dancing blew me away. But my forever movie crush is Angelina Jolie in Girl, Interrupted, which was one of my favourite performances of all time.

When you get the chance to meet an actor or performer you really admire, what do you say? Have you ever been starstruck?

I’m not really shy about that stuff. I’ll always tell people when I’m a fan of their work. I always get starstruck by my friends though. It’s so crazy seeing people you know perform. It’s like no waayyy! that’s actually you?!

When did you know you wanted to be an actor, as you started off as a dancer in Matilda on Broadway, is that right?

Before doing Matilda, I had dreams of being a professional dancer and auditioned for the show just for the experience, never expecting to be cast. Being on Broadway and getting to move to New York completely changed my outlook on life, and I realised I had the opportunity to really make a career out of this. I had to learn how to act and sing for my role in the show and realised how intertwined dancing and acting are to authentically tell a story. I got an agent through being in the show and just decided to go for it with acting.

You went on to play in Never Rarely Sometimes Always, and then joined Steven Spielberg’s epic cinematic version of West Side Story. Did it all feel a bit unreal going from quite an intimate set to this massive production and cast?

I knew going into them both that the processes would look very different. It was cool getting to see two very different films being made and see the same level of passion and creativity in two different environments.

I imagine the dancing was full on too, having to learn all that choreography? Did you come away with all the songs going round in your head for hours, days, like even when you were sleeping?

It was pretty full on but getting to work with Justin Peck was incredible. I had steps stuck in my head more than the music, I think. I’d always be marking the choreography around the house or waiting for the train.

Which of Spielberg’s movies is your favourite or would you have loved to star in?

I grew up watching so many of his movies. While ET is my favourite, I think Ready Player One would’ve been so much fun to shoot.

Who are your acting or director heroes? Who else would you love to work with?

I would just really love to work with Steven [Spielberg] again. He’s the definition of a true legend to me. He approaches everything he does with detail and care as well as making everyone on his set feel valued and respected. Working on West Side Story changed the way I look at filmmaking and collaboration and I would just love the chance to witness him make magic like that again.

Are you attracted to playing a certain type of character or a genre, what do you look for in a role?

I wouldn’t say I’m attracted to any specific character or genre. It really comes down to believing in the script as well as the director’s vision for the story. It’s important to me to feel inspired and challenged by the characters I’m playing, but it really comes down to the story that’s being told.

What’s next for you? Can you tell me about your projects Do Revenge and Joika?

Do Revenge will be out in September! It looks really amazing. Jennifer Robinson who wrote and directed the film is truly a genius. The film pays homage to the ‘90s teen movie’ while being super funny and relevant to today’s culture. Joika is a very intense film that shines a light on both the toxicity and beauty of the ballet world. It’s the most demanding role I’ve ever played, but it was so amazing getting to combine my love of dance and acting for the part.

Source: behindtheblinds.be

Getting Into Character With Talia Ryder And Saint Laurent

At just 19 years old, there’s something about Talia Ryder that feels wise beyond her years. The NYC-based actress kicked off her career on Broadway and has since performed in award-winning films, broken hearts in major pop music videos, and starred in a Saint Laurent campaign. Despite this quick rise to fame over the last few years, Ryder has managed to maintain a patient work ethic and thoughtful approach to every role she plays — both on stage and off.

Today, she’s playing dress-up in Saint Laurent’s Summer ’22 collection, which pays homage to Yves Saint Laurent’s own artistic inspiration: Paloma Picasso. Archival floral prints wrap across sleek, ’80s-inspired jumpsuits; accessories take shape in bursts of bright red and royal blue; and ultra-boxy silhouettes are balanced with soft, fluid lines. On the streets of downtown New York City, Ryder effortlessly embodies the sense of singularity, freedom, and studied nonchalance that are at play in the collection. Clearly, she’s done this before.

Together with Saint Laurent, Ryder pulls back the curtain on her burgeoning world: where muses are familial and diligence is inherited, where city-minded practicality balances sheer flamboyance, and where the wardrobe is always the answer to finding one’s voice.

Saint Laurent’s summer ’22 collection is inspired by the independent spirit and duality of designer Paloma Picasso. Who or what has inspired your career in acting and your tenacious work ethic?

Probably my mom. Like Paloma Picasso, I feel like I have a parent whose big shoes I have to fill. My mom isn’t in the arts, though; she is a doctor and she’s the most selfless and hardworking person I know. Watching her not only balance being a mother, doctor, and friend — among many other things — but go above and beyond in every area of her life made me realize anything is possible and that I don’t have to limit myself to being just one thing. I’ve watched her face every challenge in her life with such grace and positivity. I always think ‘what would mom do?’ when I’m in a tricky situation.

Saint Laurent is celebrated for its delicate balance of grit, masculinity, and effortless glamour. In many ways, New York City echoes this very design ethos. How has the city guided your career and helped shape your style POV?

Living in New York makes practicality a huge part of your style, or at least it has had that effect on mine. I check my weather app in the morning and have to plan my layers accordingly. It could be cold and rainy in the morning and hot and sunny by the afternoon — and with walking being my preferred method of transportation, I have to plan accordingly. My style has always been influenced by more masculine silhouettes, but recently I feel like I’ve become more curious about combining masculine and feminine elements in my outfits. I really love the shape of the oversized blazers paired with the slim pants (or no pants) and heels in this collection.

Anthony Vaccarello consistently nods to the legacy of Yves Saint Laurent by balancing classical austerity with brooding baroque designs. How do you harmonize your own perspective with those of the characters you play?

My personal style always makes its way into the roles I play, and vice versa. Whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, you make so many assumptions about a person based on what they wear. Figuring out my character’s wardrobe is probably the most important question to answer when figuring out a character. I think about what I would wear in certain situations and see where I and this person would wear similar or different things. I try to find a middle ground between myself and what’s written on the page because we’ll never be 100 percent the same. I love digging through my personal clothes and finding pieces to use for a role.

Saint Laurent’s new ICARE shopping bag is sculptural yet functional, with two ways to wear it and a roomy, oversized design. Are you more inclined to dress for function or form?

Living in NY doesn’t really give you the option to not dress practically. The ICARE bag is like the bag equivalent of layering.

Paloma red and blue accessories punctuate the collection. How does color impact your world and what role does it play in your personal style?

Color plays a huge part in my personal style. My style and color preferences change depending on my mood. Last month, there were a few weeks where I only wore green. I think the reds and blues in this collection inspire boldness and confidence, which really elevates the looks. Clothes always look better when you feel good in them.

Source: wmagazine.com