IN CONVERSATION WITH ISABELLE FUHRMAN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Critically acclaimed actress Isabelle Fuhrman most recently starred in Kevin Costner’s western epic Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1, and will reprise her role in Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 2 when it debuts at the Venice Film Festival on September 7th. ‘Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1’ is available now on digital. She will also star in the upcoming two parts of the film series. Her previous work includes starring in horror films ‘Orphan’ and ‘Orphan: First Kill’, and Showtime’s series ‘Masters of Sex’.

Isabelle, we’ll be seeing you reprising your role in ‘Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 2’. Tell us more about what can we expect from the second part of the film, and what will the story be about this time?

‘Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 2’ is where we really dive into the characters that Kevin introduces in Chapter 1. The first movie, to me, always felt like ‘Dune 1’ did, a big introduction to a new world and these amazing characters. Chapter 2, like ‘Dune 2’, really dives into the journey west and what that entails, and it gets so much bigger in terms of the big epic movie moments too. We get to know these characters in the face of survival, what brought them to America and what it takes to build a new world, and who it takes away from. I can’t wait for audiences to see it.

How excited were you when you got cast on this film series, produced by Kevin Costner, which will be released in 4 parts?

Honestly, I was so happy I cried. Very often, I will audition for a movie and I really would love to play the role I am auditioning for, but for this one, I just felt that I could do something with Diamond that no one else could. I had so much fun learning the dialogue and taping the audition. I remember sending it off and thinking if they don’t want me, their loss. It was the first time I felt that way after a big audition. In hindsight, it was a very Diamond-esque feeling. I guess it worked because Kevin and I met on Zoom and he offered me the role ten minutes into our conversation.

What is in store for your character, Diamond, in the second part?

Diamond has a lot in store for her. First, we really get to see how this westward journey has changed Diamond’s view on the world and she, too, starts to discover what she expects from America. What you have to remember is Diamond begins her journey in Chapter 1 and 2 as a teenager and grows into a woman through Chapters 3 and 4. Chapter 2 is where she starts to assert her independence and realize that she doesn’t want the same things her father wanted when they decided to journey west. That obviously causes some issues between them and within the rest of the Kittredge family.

What do you enjoy the most about the whole film series, and how do you connect the most with your character in the films?

The United States of America really is the main protagonist and antagonist of ‘Horizon: An American Saga’. All the characters in the film have different ideas of what this country is, but also have vastly different expectations of what America should be for them. It’s a big western epic that zooms in on the people who came to this country and what they hoped that America could offer them, the trials, tribulations, successes and disappointments that ensue when attempting to build a new world. A world we now so easily take for granted.

Diamond is her own force of nature in this world. She is whip smart, incredibly funny, big hearted and really is morphed by this westward journey. In many ways, she is mysterious and complicated, but what I love about Diamond is she just says it how it is. She is completely herself and quite simply, unbridled by fear. Kevin named her Diamond for a reason. Playing Diamond allowed me to see just how tough I am, but also learn not to allow that part of myself be the strongest. My heart, my kindness and ability to forgive are my biggest assets, and my bravery, strength and toughness add to it, but shouldn’t be the focal point. This is a lesson Diamond sadly doesn’t learn and that changes her as this saga continues.

The first film received a 7-minute standing ovation at this year’s Cannes film festival. How special was it experiencing that? What did you feel experiencing that?

Cannes was unbelievable. Such a magical experience to premiere the film there and a contrast to the dusty, sweaty set we had. I’m grateful he wanted the women of the film to be present to introduce it at Cannes. This western really highlights women in that time period and I hadn’t seen that in a western before. It was really special to dress up and celebrate Kevin, celebrate each other and celebrate this film at one of the most historic film festivals in the world. Watching Kevin receive such love from the audience really made me emotional because I’ve seen the other side of his journey to make these films. He really has put his heart and soul into these movies and to see him give it to the world in such a romantic and cinematic way felt iconic. Truly a pinch me moment.

skirt & top PATOU
shoes ROGER VIVIER
earrings DAVID YURMAN
ring STATE PROPERTY

You started acting at the age of 7. What attracted you to the craft at such a young age, and how did you develop interest in it?

I always loved to play pretend and I often joke that my older sister was my first director. She would dress me up and tell me what to say, and then she would charge our parents for tickets to see the show. Aside from that, I think I’ve always been attracted to telling stories. It is a gift of mine. I was the youngest in my family and so I did every activity that my sister wanted to do. When she swam, I swam. When she played tennis, I played tennis. When she skated, I skated. What I realized is sometimes you have a natural talent for something and sometimes you don’t. Acting was the only skill where I could imagine in my head what I wanted to do with my emotions and then just do it. I didn’t even consider that this could be what I do until I booked ‘Orphan’ and Leonardo DiCaprio, who produced the film, told me it was his job. I thought it was so funny. Acting as a job? And here I am now. I still feel like I just get to play pretend all day and can’t believe that this is what I get to do. I feel very lucky.

Out of all the roles you’ve portrayed so far, which one left the most lasting impact on your career and yourself personally?

Since ‘Orphan’, I’ve continued to do films, TV and plays, but I don’t know if people just thought that because I was a kid when I did ‘Orphan’, I didn’t really act or whatever. But I don’t think it was until after ‘The Novice’, a small film I did in 2021, that people really trusted that I could pull off a performance like that. We won so many awards at Tribeca Film Festival and then I was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and that meant a lot to me. It felt like I was being re-introduced to the industry I love.

My role in ‘The Novice’ took me to completely different place as a person and actor. I had to learn how to row for the film because it wasn’t a stunt double. For the 6 weeks before we filmed, I was up at 4 am every morning and working out for 6 hours. I wanted to gain 12 pounds of muscle to change my physicality, so that was extra time at the gym in the evenings. My character, Alex, goes through such a psychological journey as she descends into madness over her obsession with rowing, as well. I felt so exhausted at the end of each day, but I also had never felt more creatively fulfilled since I had done ‘Orphan’. The film really showed me how I love to work. I love to be pushed to my limits as a person and as an actor. I thrive on it. I always am looking for that next challenge. This role showed me what I am capable of and gave me a confidence in my acting chops like no other. I also think it proved that my performance in ‘Orphan’ wasn’t a fluke. It also proved to me that I could transform like that again.

dress MICHAEL KORS
earrings & ring STATE PROPERTY

You also own your own production company What If?. What kind of projects are you striving to work on as a producer and writer?

Right now, I am just getting started by producing some of the projects I am acting in, but the long term plan for What If? is so much larger. I have some scripts I am writing right now, a few projects in early development and my passion project right now, a documentary short about my Grandmother and her Alzheimer’s. My hope long term is to be like Margot Robbie. I massively respect that she is building and creating her own projects, but also projects for other people. I’ve directed a few music videos for my sister, but I have some films I am writing right now for my own directorial debut and beyond.

Besides acting, you are an ultra-marathon runner, triathlete, guitar player, singer, western-horseback rider, gourmet cook and a certified holistic birth doula. How challenging are preparations for marathons and triathlons for you, and what do you enjoy the most about these two sports activities?

I always loved to exercise and move my body. My mom always taught me that daily movement is important to long term health. I honestly started running and triathlons because I felt a lot of anxiety when I wasn’t working when I was around 16 - 17. I would say running a marathon or at least training for one, at least once in your life, can really teach you how consistent work can yield big rewards. When I trained for my first marathon with Nike Women’s Marathon Project, I went from only running like 6 miles a week to running 65 - 80 in a week by the end of that training cycle. It really shows you what is possible when you dedicate time to something. Running introduced me to so many amazing people, close friends and even taught me many lessons about myself. The biggest lesson was that I was using running as a way to cope with the ups and downs that this industry is known for.

It was only the ultra-marathon relay, called The Speed Project in 2019, that made me realize that I may be using running to deal with anxiety about work. When I am on set, I have so much to do and prepare for. Then, when each movie is over, I go back to normal life. When I was younger, I would feel sad because I felt like I didn’t have purpose anymore after each movie ended. I realized that I defined so much of myself by what I do, so I decided to quit cold turkey and after a few months slowly rebuild a new relationship with running. Now, running is like a celebration for me. I love to run, to bike, to swim, but I don’t use it as a way to run away from my problems like I used to. I use it to get back in touch with myself and something I love. That whole experience really changed my relationship with acting too. I no longer define myself by what I do. My life is made up of so many amazing things and acting is just one big important part of it, but it isn’t all of it.

dress AREA
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
earrings ANABELA CHAN
ring DAVID YURMAN

Tell us more about what interested you to become a holistic birth doula. What inspired you the most about learning about it?

I became interested in becoming a holistic birth doula in 2020 when my close friend was pregnant and told me she wanted to have a natural home birth. I thought she was crazy, but she told me to watch this documentary called ‘The Business of Being Born’ by Ricki Lake. For the first time, I realized that there were more options than simply a hospital birth. Before seeing that documentary, I never knew that, which is crazy to me. I signed up for a weekend doula course and just learned so much. I loved it and I signed up for a 6-month course and got my certification. It changed the way I saw myself as a woman and just how innately powerful it is. Not just on a soul level, but on a cellular and biological level.

I have always wanted to have kids since I was three, and I can’t wait to have kids one day when the time is right. I just find it so crazy that before I was 24, I had no idea that my body is literally built to have a baby and give birth, that I don’t need a doctor, a hospital, a midwife or even a doula, and how lucky am I to live in a time where I can choose the birth I want to have. It is empowering to know that. I grew up having so much fear instilled in me that birth is scary and dangerous and painful, and all I can say is that now I know that it isn’t all true. It can be, but birth can also be beautiful, spiritual, healing and empowering. I don’t know if I’d be someone’s doula, I haven’t decided yet, but I do know that when I have a baby, I want to choose how I have my baby because I can.

What can you share with us about your other upcoming projects, besides of course the upcoming 2 parts of ‘Horizon: An American Saga’?

I have a few movies that are in post-production right now and I am obviously working on my own productions as well. But mainly, I am enjoying my life right now, allowing myself some time to balance and reconnect with my family and loved ones. I am away so much when I work. I am really excited that my film ‘Wish You Were Here’, that Julia Stiles directed, should be coming out next year. It’s based off an amazing book by the same name and there is plenty of time to read it before it comes out next year.

dress CAROLINA HERRRERA
earrings MISHO
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

TEAM CREDITS:
talent ISABELLE FUHRMAN
photographer NATALIE SOMEKH
stylist ALI MANDELKORN at THE WALL GROUP
makeup BRITTANY LESLIE at THE WALL GROUP
hair RICKY FRASER at THE WALL GROUP
photography assistant PIERCE THIELE
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA