Anne Hathaway listened to music by St. Vincent to prepare for her role as the pop star Mother Mary [1], [2].
The choice of musical influence highlights the actress's effort to emulate the specific artistic and psychological profile of a modern music icon. By anchoring her performance in a real-world sonic aesthetic, Hathaway sought to bring authenticity to a fictional character defined by both fame, and internal conflict.
During a press event in London, Hathaway said she used specific methods to capture the mindset and artistic edge of the character [2]. She credited the avant-garde style of St. Vincent as a tool for character development.
"I was listening to St. Vincent to get into the headspace of Mother Mary," Hathaway said [2].
The actress used the music to navigate the complexities of the role, which depicts a troubled pop icon. This preparation allowed her to bridge the gap between her own experience and the persona of a global superstar.
"St. Vincent’s music helped me find the edge of the character," Hathaway said [1].
These details emerged in interviews published between April 24 and April 27, 2026 [1], [2]. The production of Mother Mary aims to explore the pressures of celebrity through a stylized lens, and Hathaway's approach suggests a focus on the intersection of sound, and psychology.
The film's promotion continues as the actress shares insights into the transformation required to play a character who balances public adoration with private instability.
“"I was listening to St. Vincent to get into the headspace of Mother Mary."”
Hathaway's use of a specific contemporary artist like St. Vincent indicates a desire for a curated, modern sonic identity for the character of Mother Mary. By referencing a musician known for precision and experimental pop, the production signals that the film will likely treat the pop-star persona as a calculated piece of performance art rather than a generic celebrity caricature.
