Over the years, Helena Bonham Carter has become known for her eccentric roles and undeniable talent. From her breakthrough role in the 1985 film, A Room with a View to her impeccable role in the Harry Potter series, the actress has tried her hand at everything. However, even with her impressive track record, there have been a few films in which the 58-year-old was rather unsure of starring.
Carter is no stranger to taking risks in her career. But back in 1999, the actress dived right into the deep end when she starred alongside Brad Pitt in his cult classic, Fight Club.
Helena Bonham Carter reveals her doubts about Brad Pitt’s Fight Club
In 1999, the world was given the dark psychological drama, Fight Club. Although the Brad Pitt film ended up being a fan favorite, his co-star, Helena Bonham Carter had second thoughts about the film. In fact, in an interview with The Guardian, the actress ended up admitting that the script for the movie had left her feeling quite confused.
To be honest, I didn’t completely get the script. I thought, oh God, this thing could really backfire and spawn all these fight clubs. It’s not a great philosophy, not a very mature one.
The actress may have had her own reservations about the movie. But her mother had a hunch that the film would end up being a classic. In fact, she even told the director, David Fincher, that it would all work out in the end. Luckily, she ended up being right.
Carter’s role as Marla Singer might have been loved by fans. But it may have never happened if it wasn’t for Pitt and her 1998 Oscar nomination.
Helena Bonham Carter reveals how she landed the role in Fight Club
Helena Bonham Carter’s role as Marla Singer in Fight Club was a stark departure from the period dramas and literary adaptations she had become known for. With several other high-profile actresses auditioning for the role, the star did not think she stood a chance. However, that changed rather quickly when Brad Pitt thought she’d be the perfect fit for the character. In the same interview with The Guardian, the actress shone some light on how it all worked out in her favor.
It was Brad’s idea for me to be in it.
Carter ended up crediting her 1998 The Wings of the Dove Oscar nomination for her role. The actress stated, “In the six weeks when you’re up for an Oscar, there’s a little window where you’re offered everything. Seventh week, when you haven’t got it, you’re f***ed. Forget it. So you have to get in there. I was offered so many nice parts, and I went for Fight Club.” Although she may have been on the fence about the movie at first, she eventually came around to the idea of it.
Luckily for Carter, it ended up being one of her most popular roles until she took on Harry Potter’s Bellatrix Lestrange.
Stream Brad Pitt’s 1999 film, Fight Club, on Amazon Prime Video
