The Sprightly Spud

Elegance, sophistication, poise, talent … all attributes that treasured British actor Anne Hathaway seems to possess in spades. With her career beginning to blossom in 1999, she remains a frequent flyer on our screens to this day. Her acting prowess allows for a screen presence which enchants and inspires audiences, and she has crafted a portfolio of unique and memorable characters which have certainly been pivotal role models throughout my childhood, and I assume those of many other young women like me. Here’s why I’m choosing to model certain traits of my personality on three of Hathaway’s most iconic portrayals;

1. Mia Thermopolis – The Princess Diaries (2001)

There is a lot to be learnt from Mia. An unassuming San Francisco teen who finds herself plunged into a world of glitz, grandeur and grace which couldn’t be more of a contrast to the unimpressive status she adopts in her day to day high school situations, where she suffers bullying at the hands of popular cheerleader, Lana Thomas. A creative soul, she enjoys artistic pursuits far more than social ones, so is left feeling entirely overwhelmed by the populous calendar of formal events she will have to endure as ‘Crown Princess Amelia Thermopolis Renaldi’.

Lesson 1;

Don’t give into the bullies – they don’t know where I’ll end up.

The resounding message throughout The Princess Diaries, is that being popular in school does not lead to success in one’s adult life, and is definitely not indicative of discovering a secret status as a Princess, and heir to a royal dynasty. No one should have to endure the constant teasing and abuse that Mia does in high school, but in reality many of us do. I’m choosing to recognise Mia as a sign that I should always embrace our individuality, regardless of how others choose to respond to it. Follow your heart, it might take you to a palace.

Lesson 2;

Adapt, but don’t lose sight of what makes me ‘me’

Despite it being unlikely that I will discover that I’m a central member of a mysterious royal family in the next few weeks, I do know that I will be facing multiple alien situations, that will challenge me in brand new ways; a new job, an online diploma, and a new university next year. Like Mia’ sudden induction into the Genovian Royal Household, these experiences will bring new interpersonal relationships, academic challenges and a completely different lifestyle for me. Our favourite Princess manages to learn the complex rules of being a royal and completely overhaul her appearance, without letting it impede on her authenticity as someone who loves art, her cat and is, most strikingly, kind.

Lesson 3;

Always trust Nana

My Nana was not Julie Walters. She was, however, the wisest and most beautiful soul I have ever known. She did not teach me the ins and outs of proper behaviour at royal balls, but she did pass on her stunning Bara Brith recipe, and was my North Star in learning how to be a polite and valuable member of society. Mia places her complete faith in Queen Clarissa, despite not always agreeing with her, and it turns out well for her in the end. In conclusion, Nana knows best.

2. Andy Sachs – The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Andy Sachs is a character I feel quite a personal connection to. From the first scene of the movie, where she is rushing through New York, clutching her cheese and onion bagel, I was completely and utterly in awe. Not only do I adore The Big Apple, its bagels, and am usually running a good couple of minutes late, but Andy’s status as an aspiring young journalist is probably what triggered my own ambitions to pursue a writing career. I would like to think my fashion choices are slightly more ‘on trend’ than Hathaway’s character’s at the beginning of the film, however I do relate to prioritising comfort and practicality. Despite feeling out of place in the rapidly developing fashion industry, and swamped by the judgemental nature of her colleagues at Runway magazine, her determination to pander to every need of its Editor in Chief, Mirada Priestly (Meryl Streep – another on screen queen) leads to her earning the respect of her immensely powerful and influential boss.

Lesson 1;

If it isn’t serving me, don’t stick with it.

Despite eventually earning the respect of Miranda, Andy chooses to leave Runway, presumably to pursue a career in writing which better satisfies her personal interests, and to avoid becoming more like her impressive, yet ruthless boss. Taking a role at Runway would inevitably catapult Andy into a high-flying career in fashion journalism, yet the questionable and, in cases, narrow minded morals of those at the magazine, did not align with Andy’s own, so she followed her heart and chose to carve her own path. Go girl.

Lesson 2;

Hard work pays off.

Although Sachs chooses not to remain at Runway, her period their as an assistant sees her ‘working her ass off’ to fulfil her job description to the very best of her ability, which does land her a front row seat at fashion week, as well as the admiration of her boss. So, quite simply, Andy has taught me to give everything my best effort, regardless of how hard it may seem at the time.

Lesson 3;

Dream big and back myself;

Runway (modelled on Vogue) is no joke, its an international publication, bringing the latest and most important fashion news to style gurus all over the world. Despite possessing limited fashion knowledge, Andy refuses to believe that she has nothing to offer the magazine, and this self belief is something I try to channel into my own endeavours.

3. Daphne Kluger – Ocean’s 8 (2018)

Ocean’s 8 is my all time favourite film. A group of strong, intelligent and passionate women, each with their own individual skills, talents and (potentially questionable) motivations, using non – violent crime to overthrow the patriarchy. This twist on a classic crime caper follows Debbie Ocean’s (Sandra Bullock) crack posse of female criminals in their intricate quest to steal a momentous Cartier diamond, whilst also attending the Met Gala. Apart from sounding like the ultimate evening out, the ladies show astounding cunning and resourcefulness, and reap the rewards of a lifetime of riches as a result. Anne’s character, Daphne Kluger, is an acclaimed socialite who’s neck the more experienced felons use to plant a diamond necklace in the gala. Viewers are initially lead to believe that Daphne is nothing more that a mule in the heist, yet she proves herself to be something of a dark horse. Resulting in her winning a share of the jackpot. I’m not implying that I intend to pursue a career in theft, but I do think there are a multitude of lessons to be taken from Daphne.

Lesson 1;

Never let anyone underestimate me, and never overlook the intelligence of others.

At the beginning of the movie, Daphne is presented as a naive and uninspiring young actor, with a personality that is borderline petulant. As an audience we are inclined to think that she is unaware of her role in the heist, however dear old Daph is much more wily than she first seems… not only does her character gain a $16.5 million dollar pay-out, but she also proves to us the underestimating the intelligence and importance of others around us may result in losing out, as the division of the loot between more members means that Debbie and her fellow conwomen gain a smaller share.

Lesson 2;

Surround myself with strong women.

The conclusion of Ocean’s 8 sees Daphne reach out to her fellow felons for friendship, after the revelation that she is, in fact, lonely, and craves female company. As a self – confessed lone wolf in many situations, I see this as a sign to value my girlfriends, learn from them, and seek inspiring female role models. Besides, who wouldn’t want to be besties with Rihanna?

Lesson 3;

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

If nothing else, Ocean’s 8 proves that this cliche is well and truly FACT. I’m not sure much more needs to be said, other that that embracing femininity may play to my advantage at some point in the future.

So, with a repertoire of characters ranging from schoolgirl royalty to… well, criminals, Hathaway probably has a strong female persona which we could all learn from. Thanks Anne, we love you.