Haley Bennett on Finally Getting ‘Widow Clicquot’ Made and Channeling Tom Cruise to Play a CIA Agent in ‘The Last Frontier’

As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for historical dramas that showcase the resilience and determination of women, I find “Widow Clicquot” to be an inspiring and captivating story. The film’s protagonist, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, defied societal norms and industry expectations in the late 1700s by taking over her husband’s vineyard after his death and becoming a pioneer in the champagne industry.


In the novel “Widow Clicquot,” Haley Bennett portrays Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, a remarkable woman who assumed control of her husband’s (Tom Sturridge) vineyard at just 27 years old following his unexpected demise in the late 1700s. Over time, she gained recognition as the “Grande Dame of Champagne” due to her groundbreaking achievements, such as inventing the first vintage champagne in 1810.

During this time, Barbe-Nicole encountered resistance from her father-in-law, Ben Miles, who sought to seize control of the business.

The film “The Widow Clicquot,” helmed by Thomas Napper and inspired by Tilar J. Mazzeo’s New York Times bestselling book of the same name, has gone through multiple stages of production over an extended period. However, just as shooting was about to begin, an investor unexpectedly withdrew, resulting in a significant reduction in their budget. In response, Bennett, who is also a producer, adapted the script to maintain the entire story at the family estate rather than various locations such as Paris.

“At times, producing and acting in ‘The Last Frontier’ for Apple TV+ seemed insurmountable to Bennett during filming in Montreal,” she shares over the phone. “However, looking back, those challenges were a vital part of the process. They added excitement and anticipation for me as both the producer and the performer portraying the widow.”

An additional point was made about Barbe-Nicole’s unwavering attachment to the vineyard. Bennett elaborated, “She was scared of losing it if she stepped away. She feared they wouldn’t let her return. I could relate to her mindset – it was a matter of planting herself firmly there and establishing deep roots.”

Haley Bennett on Finally Getting ‘Widow Clicquot’ Made and Channeling Tom Cruise to Play a CIA Agent in ‘The Last Frontier’

I’m deeply moved by Bennett’s unwavering dedication to sharing this captivating story. People would often ask her, “Why the urgency? Why does this tale hold such significance for you?” She shares these inquiries with a reflective tone. For Bennett, these doubts serve as an incentive. They ignite her passion and provide her with the strength to carry on. The suppression of individuality and the persistence of male dominance are issues that resonate deeply within her. By bringing attention to women who have achieved great success, she finds purpose and fulfillment in her work.

Bennett’s period film about a woman asserting her place is particularly relevant now as Kamala Harris gears up for leading the Democratic Party in the upcoming election. (Regarding the speculation of a Trump-Vance ticket, Bennett, who portrayed Lindsay in “Hillbilly Elegy” movie adaptation, remains silent: “I get why you’re bringing this up but I just want to focus on ‘Madame Clicquot’ for now.”)

“Madame Clicquot was clever and skillful with a deep understanding of her work. She was inventive and visionary. What truly distinguished her and led to her success were her strong intuition and determination. She persevered despite the challenges, as women often do. I believe Kamala will do the same.”

In “The Last Frontier,” Bennett adopts a new role, appearing in an Apple TV+ series alongside Jason Clarke and Dominic Cooper. Filming has been ongoing for approximately seven months. Bennett describes the CIA lingo used in the show as akin to Shakespeare, yet disconnected from emotions. To memorize the intricate dialogue, she employs creative methods, likening it to a dialogue competition and intense physical preparation simultaneously. Eager to perform her own stunts, Bennett aspires to be reminiscent of Tom Cruise.

“Has any stunt work resulted in injuries for you, Bennett jokes? ‘I did sustain a concussion,’ she shares with a laugh. ‘It’s quite an amusing tale, really. What actually caused me to fall was a hair and makeup chair. I sat down and lost my footing, hitting my head on the hard concrete floor instead. Before I knew it, I was being wheeled into the hospital on a gurney. But just as we arrived, the hospital went into lockdown due to an escaped knife-wielding man.’ “

Haley Bennett on Finally Getting ‘Widow Clicquot’ Made and Channeling Tom Cruise to Play a CIA Agent in ‘The Last Frontier’

Read More

2024-07-26 00:46