In a surprising revelation, acclaimed actress Jamie Lee Curtis has confessed that she did not comprehend the script of the groundbreaking film 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' when she first received it, despite her award-winning performance in the movie. According to an interview with People magazine, the 67-year-old star was candid about her initial confusion regarding the plot.
Initial Confusion Over Complex Plot
When asked if she understood the storyline upon reading the script, Curtis responded emphatically, "Of course not. Not one second of it. Did I understand that script? No." The film, which follows a Chinese-American immigrant laundromat owner navigating parallel universes while being audited by the IRS, presents a multilayered and intricate narrative that initially baffled even its star.
Perfect Understanding of Her Character
Despite the script's complexity, Curtis demonstrated remarkable insight into her character, IRS auditor Deirdre Beaubeirdre. "We all know Dierdre. She's a woman who's not loved. She's a woman who uses her power in her job to control people because she has no love in her life," Curtis explained to People. This deep character understanding contributed significantly to her performance, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2022, along with BAFTA and Golden Globe awards in the same category.
Shock at Winning the Academy Award
Curtis recalled her genuine disbelief upon winning the prestigious Oscar, a moment captured on camera where she was seen mouthing "shut up" in the audience. Speaking to 60 Minutes about that emotional instant, she admitted, "Totally, because that wasn't supposed to happen." This candid admission highlights the unexpected nature of her triumph in the competitive awards season.
Reflections on Family Legacy and Personal Freedom
The actress also reflected on her famous parents, the late actors Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, both of whom received Academy Award nominations during their careers but never won. Curtis shared a poignant perspective on surpassing her parents in certain aspects, telling 60 Minutes, "I think about surpassing my parents, which I have, emotionally. I've surpassed my parents with sobriety."
She further elaborated on the generational differences in Hollywood, noting how her mother faced industry restrictions that limited her artistic expression. "My mother was restricted by what the industry wanted from her and expected from her and would allow from her. My mother would have hated 2024 film The Last Showgirl because I showed what I really looked like. I have -- I don't want to say surpassed them, but I have freedom," Curtis explained according to People.
Legacy of a Groundbreaking Performance
Jamie Lee Curtis's journey with 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' represents a fascinating case study in acting where initial script confusion didn't hinder award-winning performance. Her ability to connect deeply with her character while navigating a complex narrative framework demonstrates professional artistry at its highest level. The film's success and Curtis's personal achievements highlight how actors can deliver exceptional work even when facing initially incomprehensible material, relying instead on character intuition and emotional truth.
