HBO Connect Live Q&A with Gwendoline Christie
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Game of Thrones
Thank you Gwendoline for joining us today! Do you have any first thoughts to your fans?
Gwendoline Christie says:
I want to thank you for being interested. I’m really flattered and overwhelmed. I’m not so surprised that they’re interested in her.
raebae9
What about your personality makes you perfect for the role of Brienne of Tarth? #GameOfThrones #FSU #HBOCollege
Gwendoline Christie says:
I've had similar experiences to that character. I feel I understand her psyche and understand her choices. Obviously she's a fictional character and I, apparently a real person, but we've definitely shared similar experiences. I understand her feelings of being marginalized due to the way that she looks.
raebae9
If you could live anywhere in Westeros where would you live and why? #FSU #HBOCollege
Gwendoline Christie says:
I think King's Landing looks nice, doesn't it? I quite fancy the Lannister home. Might have to get some central heating in there.
JonnyPWilson
Gwendoline, if you had to play any other character in Game of Thrones, who would you be and why?
Gwendoline Christie says:
There's loads after. I'd really love to play Cersei because I think she comes with a rather nice set of cheekbones and I rather fancy those.
radiowammo
High heels or medieval boots?
Gwendoline Christie says:
High heels. Always. Medieval boots are for weekends.
nmaz23
Don't you think it is a bit dangerous leaving one person in charge of the king slayer? Or do you feel like Brienne is tough enough.
Gwendoline Christie says:
Brienne is more than equipped to deal with that sniveling rat.
LiamWSwann
Do you have any other projects in the works, perhaps film work?
Gwendoline Christie says:
I'm hoping so. There's nothing that's confirmed but it's all looking very exciting. Really looking forward to more Game of Thrones.
MuffinTommy
What do you find the most difficult in your portrayal of Brienne?
Gwendoline Christie says:
It's really hard to be as good as she is at everything. Particularly in terms of her strength and skill. That's the hardest thing. I quite like looking mucky, it's quite nice not having to care about how you look. It's nice that the worse you look the better portrayal it is the character. It's quite liberating.
RoverKelevra
What do you think are Brienne's greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Gwendoline Christie says:
I think she has incredible moral sense that is really focused and determined and she has a very clear idea of what she believes is right and wrong. She will dedicate her life to what is right and for justice to be done and what is a really pure justice. I think the flip side to that is that she could perhaps be missing out on life and more experiences and more of the tender aspects of life. What do i know? She's amazing with a sword. If I were amazing with a sword I wouldn't care about the tender things in life.
TomasMartin21
Did you get to do any improvising in scenes or were there any funny moments on set?
Gwendoline Christie says:
I work w/ Nikolai so it's excepted that there will be no funny moments on set. No, he's hysterical. The relationship we have offset is one long improvisation. In the scene were I’m canoeing Jamie Lannister. I learned how to canoe the night before and the amazing GoT aquatics team taught me how to canoe. It was the first time we worked together (Jamie) and he was desperately trying to get home for his daughter’s birthday so he’s lying there in his robe in the boat and I was clambering in like a tin man in armor and the whole thing is rocking back and forth. I have a wet suit underneath so it’s rather hard to move around and carrying a sword. I was so sure we would capsize and Nikolaj is pressuring me that we needed to get home. I was desperately trying not to capsize the boat but he was irritating me so much that I could help but tip the boat to see his reaction.
xxbeetlejuicexx
Is it hard for you to interpret Brienne, a strong woman that fear nothing?
Gwendoline Christie says:
It's not hard to interpret it because really, my job is just about pretending. So, it's really exciting to pretend to be a strong woman that fears nothing because most of us are vulnerable characters that fear everything. It's incredibly pleasurable to inhabit that and for that to be my job.
EaZeeeY
Do you see yourself as a knight in real life?
Gwendoline Christie says:
Yes.
Reem_Bazzi0
Is Brienne in love with Renly? Will she fall in love with Jaime?
Gwendoline Christie says:
Brienne WAS in love with Renly, yes. I don't' think we're seeing any evidence of her falling in love with Jamie, no. But what does everyone else think? It's quite a hateful relationship at the moment. He's pretty hateful towards her and she doesn't like him at all. She doesn't respect him. I think that hate is quite an extreme feeling and can often be close to love. In that situation, anything can happen, can't it?
fiamike
What does Brienne secretly want out of life?
Gwendoline Christie says:
I think she wants love and acceptance.
OhBendy
Your acting is phenomenal, invisible, like you're fully inhabiting Brienne. How did u approach getting to an understanding of the character?
Gwendoline Christie says:
That's so nice that they think that, so wonderful. I'm so flattered, I really am. I just feel like I undestand this character. Sometimes something just chimes inside of you that you know this character and that it's within you and if that's what someone has experienced with my character then I couldn't be happier. I'm absolutely thrilled.
LiamWSwann
How does it feel to know your character is empowering for women?
Gwendoline Christie says:
Brilliant. Personally justifies my choice to be an actor and I mean that. The thing is, it's not my character. It's George RR Martin's character and Dan and David's character. I couldn't be happier. I hope this opens up opportunities in the main stream for female actors and I hope women get something out of it.
raebae9
How do you feel that you personally have developed Brienne of Tarth beyond the pages of the books? #FSU #HBOCollege
Gwendoline Christie says:
That character is so well drawn in the books. It's so specific in the books and I really fell in love with her in the books. I don't think I had to develope her beyond what's in the books. I just bring my personal experiences but that's just what an actor does.
SitaDalloway
What do you think Brienne and Jaimie could learn from each other? And do you think Jaimie can change? Greetings from Chile :>
Gwendoline Christie says:
I think everybody has the capacity for change. From what we've seen so far, what he exhibits is a likeness and humor and a wit and I think that that could be a welcome condition to Brienne's life. I'm such a huge fan and I'm really happy with her the way she is. I could try to take a step back and look and her character objectively but I'm so close to the character so I'm very protective.
vagnerfonseca
Gwen, what you do to relax and fun, what you like?
Gwendoline Christie says:
i absolutely love to relax and have fun. I like socializing, i like chatting, I like dancing, mixing with friends. I like to do something that's the complete opposite of the discipline that's required in my work. I REALLY like shopping for shoes and spending time in the cinema.
serpintina1
How has playing Brienne affected your real life, or has it had any impact on you?
Gwendoline Christie says:
It's had massive impact on me. Not just in my working life but I'm really thrilled to be playing this character. But who knows, hopefully I'll. I think she's a really superb archetype to be in such a mainstream show. It's really exciting to be a part of that and to be dipping into that psychology and use them in your work. It's a really thrilling and welcome part of my life.
GameOfThrones
That's all the time we have for today's Q&A. Gwendoline, is there anything else you'd like to say to your fans before we go?
Gwendoline Christie says:
I’m really overwhelmed by peoples’ response to my interpretation of this character and I’m really, really grateful. It touches me deeply when people say they feel something that resonates with them. But I’m not surprised, George RR Martin has drawn a erally extraordinary character, pretty unusual and breaks a lot of boundaries and David and Dan have done a sensational job adapting that. I’m so thrilled to be playing it and that people like. It’s a terribly corny thing to say but I mean that. It overwhelms me.
Source.
Edited my OP note because I don't even remember the interview, lol I am such a flop. Anyway, Gwen is flawless.
Game of Thrones
Thank you Gwendoline for joining us today! Do you have any first thoughts to your fans?
Gwendoline Christie says:
I want to thank you for being interested. I’m really flattered and overwhelmed. I’m not so surprised that they’re interested in her.
raebae9
What about your personality makes you perfect for the role of Brienne of Tarth? #GameOfThrones #FSU #HBOCollege
Gwendoline Christie says:
I've had similar experiences to that character. I feel I understand her psyche and understand her choices. Obviously she's a fictional character and I, apparently a real person, but we've definitely shared similar experiences. I understand her feelings of being marginalized due to the way that she looks.
raebae9
If you could live anywhere in Westeros where would you live and why? #FSU #HBOCollege
Gwendoline Christie says:
I think King's Landing looks nice, doesn't it? I quite fancy the Lannister home. Might have to get some central heating in there.
JonnyPWilson
Gwendoline, if you had to play any other character in Game of Thrones, who would you be and why?
Gwendoline Christie says:
There's loads after. I'd really love to play Cersei because I think she comes with a rather nice set of cheekbones and I rather fancy those.
radiowammo
High heels or medieval boots?
Gwendoline Christie says:
High heels. Always. Medieval boots are for weekends.
nmaz23
Don't you think it is a bit dangerous leaving one person in charge of the king slayer? Or do you feel like Brienne is tough enough.
Gwendoline Christie says:
Brienne is more than equipped to deal with that sniveling rat.
LiamWSwann
Do you have any other projects in the works, perhaps film work?
Gwendoline Christie says:
I'm hoping so. There's nothing that's confirmed but it's all looking very exciting. Really looking forward to more Game of Thrones.
MuffinTommy
What do you find the most difficult in your portrayal of Brienne?
Gwendoline Christie says:
It's really hard to be as good as she is at everything. Particularly in terms of her strength and skill. That's the hardest thing. I quite like looking mucky, it's quite nice not having to care about how you look. It's nice that the worse you look the better portrayal it is the character. It's quite liberating.
RoverKelevra
What do you think are Brienne's greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Gwendoline Christie says:
I think she has incredible moral sense that is really focused and determined and she has a very clear idea of what she believes is right and wrong. She will dedicate her life to what is right and for justice to be done and what is a really pure justice. I think the flip side to that is that she could perhaps be missing out on life and more experiences and more of the tender aspects of life. What do i know? She's amazing with a sword. If I were amazing with a sword I wouldn't care about the tender things in life.
TomasMartin21
Did you get to do any improvising in scenes or were there any funny moments on set?
Gwendoline Christie says:
I work w/ Nikolai so it's excepted that there will be no funny moments on set. No, he's hysterical. The relationship we have offset is one long improvisation. In the scene were I’m canoeing Jamie Lannister. I learned how to canoe the night before and the amazing GoT aquatics team taught me how to canoe. It was the first time we worked together (Jamie) and he was desperately trying to get home for his daughter’s birthday so he’s lying there in his robe in the boat and I was clambering in like a tin man in armor and the whole thing is rocking back and forth. I have a wet suit underneath so it’s rather hard to move around and carrying a sword. I was so sure we would capsize and Nikolaj is pressuring me that we needed to get home. I was desperately trying not to capsize the boat but he was irritating me so much that I could help but tip the boat to see his reaction.
xxbeetlejuicexx
Is it hard for you to interpret Brienne, a strong woman that fear nothing?
Gwendoline Christie says:
It's not hard to interpret it because really, my job is just about pretending. So, it's really exciting to pretend to be a strong woman that fears nothing because most of us are vulnerable characters that fear everything. It's incredibly pleasurable to inhabit that and for that to be my job.
EaZeeeY
Do you see yourself as a knight in real life?
Gwendoline Christie says:
Yes.
Reem_Bazzi0
Is Brienne in love with Renly? Will she fall in love with Jaime?
Gwendoline Christie says:
Brienne WAS in love with Renly, yes. I don't' think we're seeing any evidence of her falling in love with Jamie, no. But what does everyone else think? It's quite a hateful relationship at the moment. He's pretty hateful towards her and she doesn't like him at all. She doesn't respect him. I think that hate is quite an extreme feeling and can often be close to love. In that situation, anything can happen, can't it?
fiamike
What does Brienne secretly want out of life?
Gwendoline Christie says:
I think she wants love and acceptance.
OhBendy
Your acting is phenomenal, invisible, like you're fully inhabiting Brienne. How did u approach getting to an understanding of the character?
Gwendoline Christie says:
That's so nice that they think that, so wonderful. I'm so flattered, I really am. I just feel like I undestand this character. Sometimes something just chimes inside of you that you know this character and that it's within you and if that's what someone has experienced with my character then I couldn't be happier. I'm absolutely thrilled.
LiamWSwann
How does it feel to know your character is empowering for women?
Gwendoline Christie says:
Brilliant. Personally justifies my choice to be an actor and I mean that. The thing is, it's not my character. It's George RR Martin's character and Dan and David's character. I couldn't be happier. I hope this opens up opportunities in the main stream for female actors and I hope women get something out of it.
raebae9
How do you feel that you personally have developed Brienne of Tarth beyond the pages of the books? #FSU #HBOCollege
Gwendoline Christie says:
That character is so well drawn in the books. It's so specific in the books and I really fell in love with her in the books. I don't think I had to develope her beyond what's in the books. I just bring my personal experiences but that's just what an actor does.
SitaDalloway
What do you think Brienne and Jaimie could learn from each other? And do you think Jaimie can change? Greetings from Chile :>
Gwendoline Christie says:
I think everybody has the capacity for change. From what we've seen so far, what he exhibits is a likeness and humor and a wit and I think that that could be a welcome condition to Brienne's life. I'm such a huge fan and I'm really happy with her the way she is. I could try to take a step back and look and her character objectively but I'm so close to the character so I'm very protective.
vagnerfonseca
Gwen, what you do to relax and fun, what you like?
Gwendoline Christie says:
i absolutely love to relax and have fun. I like socializing, i like chatting, I like dancing, mixing with friends. I like to do something that's the complete opposite of the discipline that's required in my work. I REALLY like shopping for shoes and spending time in the cinema.
serpintina1
How has playing Brienne affected your real life, or has it had any impact on you?
Gwendoline Christie says:
It's had massive impact on me. Not just in my working life but I'm really thrilled to be playing this character. But who knows, hopefully I'll. I think she's a really superb archetype to be in such a mainstream show. It's really exciting to be a part of that and to be dipping into that psychology and use them in your work. It's a really thrilling and welcome part of my life.
GameOfThrones
That's all the time we have for today's Q&A. Gwendoline, is there anything else you'd like to say to your fans before we go?
Gwendoline Christie says:
I’m really overwhelmed by peoples’ response to my interpretation of this character and I’m really, really grateful. It touches me deeply when people say they feel something that resonates with them. But I’m not surprised, George RR Martin has drawn a erally extraordinary character, pretty unusual and breaks a lot of boundaries and David and Dan have done a sensational job adapting that. I’m so thrilled to be playing it and that people like. It’s a terribly corny thing to say but I mean that. It overwhelms me.
Source.
Edited my OP note because I don't even remember the interview, lol I am such a flop. Anyway, Gwen is flawless.