Charli XCX Discusses ‘The Moment’ and Ariana Grande’s Oscar Snub
Charli XCX is making headlines at Sundance with her latest project, “The Moment,” a concert mockumentary. The film features a fictionalized version of herself embarking on an ambitious tour for her album, “Brat.” Before its world premiere, Charli shared insights about the film’s unique approach, which diverged from traditional tour documentaries.
Origins of “The Moment”
Initially, Charli XCX was approached by her record label to produce a standard tour film. However, she felt that this would merely extend the album’s lifecycle without offering any real creativity. “I was only interested in flipping the form of something quite traditional,” she stated. Instead of a standard narrative, Charli aimed to explore themes of pop culture, fame, and the artistic losses that occur upon releasing new music.
Film Details and Cast
“The Moment” includes an impressive cast, featuring:
- Rosanna Arquette
- Kate Berlant
- Jamie Demetriou
- Hailey Benton Gates
- Rachel Sennott
- Isaac Powell
- Alexander Skarsgård
Some actors portray fictionalized versions of themselves, while others personify characters related to Charli’s team. For instance, Kate Berlant plays her make-up artist.
Creative Collaboration
The film is directed by Aidan Zamiri, a close collaborator of Charli XCX during the “Brat” era. He noted the success of “Brat” as a genuine reflection of Charli’s artistry. Zamiri highlighted its transition from personal expression to mass appeal and its commercial integration with various brands.
Oscar Nominations Discussion
During her Sundance interview, Charli was questioned about the recent Oscar nominations. Known for her passion for cinema, she admitted she hadn’t seen the nominations yet. However, Charli expressed surprise over Ariana Grande’s absence from the best supporting actress category for “Wicked: For Good.” She praised Grande for her talent, noting, “Oh, Ari! She is amazing.” The two previously collaborated on the remix of “Sympathy Is a Knife” from Charli’s album.
Release Information
“The Moment” is set to release in theaters on January 30, following its much-anticipated premiere at Sundance.
