Teyana Taylor on Working with Leonardo DiCaprio on One Battle After Another

Joining "One Battle After Another"

• 💡 Teyana Taylor expressed profound excitement and disbelief about the movie's release and being part of such a significant project.
• 🎯 She was drawn to the role of Perfidia Beverly Hills after director Paul Thomas Anderson (PTA) personally called her, appreciating the character's complex layers and leadership qualities.
• 📚 The character of Perfidia was partly inspired by Assata Shakur, whose book was also a favorite of PTA, creating a full-circle moment for Taylor.

Collaborative Experience

• 🎬 Taylor described working with Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, and Regina Hall, and being directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, as a "master class."
• 🧠 She viewed the set as an opportunity to soak up knowledge from seasoned professionals, comparing it to being "drafted to your favorite team."
• ✨ The experience highlighted the blessing of sharing space and working with goated individuals in their craft, emphasizing their leadership and mentorship.

Crafting a Character

• 🎭 Preparing for a movie role, unlike music, involves deep character development, including exploring layers, wardrobe, and overall look.
• serendipitously, Perfidia's distinctive look—a band-aid and a single lash—was discovered during a camera test when Taylor was "tow up" due to a broken nail and missed lash appointment.
• 💡 This process of becoming someone else and bringing a character to life contrasts with music, where artists often express their own thoughts and feelings.

The Audition & Proving Ground

• 🚀 Taylor's initial "audition" for the film was a chemistry read with Leonardo DiCaprio, filmed by Paul Thomas Anderson, making it a high-stakes moment.
• 💪 She felt it was her "mine to lose or mine to keep" opportunity, motivating her to perform at her best and prove her rightful place among the esteemed cast.
• 🌟 Being surrounded by greatness, she focused on being the best version of herself, avoiding nervousness or being "fanned out."

Why "One Battle After Another" Resonates

• 💖 Taylor emphasized the movie's extremely human, raw, and bold nature, which she believes is rare in contemporary cinema.
• 🧩 The film uniquely blends action, thriller, and comedy while exploring deep subject matters and themes of family.
• ⏳ Paul Thomas Anderson spent 20 years developing the movie, making its continued relevance and ability to spark necessary conversations particularly impactful.
• ✅ It portrays "perfectly imperfect" people fighting their own battles, making it highly relatable and realistic.