Elizabeth Olsen reflects on life after Martha Marcy May Marlene

Movie earned her critical acclaim, best actress nominations from Independent Spirit Awards, Critics Choice Movie Award

LOS ANGELES:

One year ago Elizabeth Olsen stepped out of the shadows of her famous sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley, to star in the title role of drama Martha Marcy May Marlene, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and earned her critical acclaim and best actress nominations from the Independent Spirit Awards and Critics Choice Movie Awards. Now her latest film, Silent House, is finally hitting theatres.

Having done two serious films back to back, did you feel like you just wanted to do a comedy next?

I did feel that way and I did do a comedy, Liberal Arts. It was at Sundance this year. I played this quirky, witty, intelligent student who falls in love with a guy too old for her. It’s funny and sweet, and I was so happy to get to do that. I really wanted to just laugh.

Martha Marcy May Marlene was released theatrically last fall and some felt you were overlooked for an Oscar nomination.

Isn’t that cool people were like, ‘Why wasn’t she nominated?’ I just can’t believe my name and that word is in the same sentence. And I can’t believe I was at the Independent Spirit Awards and at the Critics Choice Awards. The fact that I get to choose jobs right now is ridiculous!

You’re in an enviable position of getting to choose roles. Do you have any criteria?

I’m not interested in material that is fluff and clearly just to make money. I get to make choices right now that are independent. I’m very well aware that this is a really cool time in my life, so I stick to gut decisions. If something doesn’t work out in the end, at least I knew I had a clear reason why I chose that project to begin with. That’s where I am right now. Eventually when I have a family, I will do as much animation as possible!”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2012.