Get ready for an exclusive scoop! I had the pleasure of meeting Amber Heard in a café in Sicily, and let me tell you, she’s even more stunning in person. As we shook hands, I couldn’t help but notice the tan orthopedic brace cradling her wrist. When I asked about it, she explained that she had tripped over her daughter’s little stepping stool while swatting a mosquito (or was it a fly?) and caught herself with her wrist. Ouch! But that’s nothing compared to the public spectacle of her divorce from Johnny Depp and the subsequent defamation suit he filed against her. Despite all that drama, Heard is back and better than ever, starring in the world premiere of In the Fire at the Taormina Film Festival. The film, directed by Conor Allyn, tells the story of a collision between science and religion in a small town in Colombia in 1890. Heard plays an American psychiatrist who is called in to work with a troubled but gifted youth who has been blamed for his mother’s death. The film is a welcome respite from the tabloid drama that has dominated Heard’s life, and she shines in her role. Allyn, who first worked with Heard on a pilot that didn’t get picked up, says she was laser-focused on the work and able to tune out the distractions. And let me tell you, she’s a star on and off the screen. Heard’s protectors were out in force at the premiere, but she can take care of herself. She’s taking control of her narrative and focusing on her day job, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.As an actress, Amber Heard knows that being in control of what comes out of her mouth takes self-discipline. But what she can’t control is how her pride in a project can be overshadowed by other stories. Despite this, she’s earned respect for her decades-long career in the industry and the contributions she’s made. And now, she’s excited to talk about her latest project, a complex tale that explores the collision between science and religion with the life of an exceptional boy hanging in the balance. What spoke most powerfully to her were the themes of love and the natural way that Conor bridges seemingly contrasting elements. As for her character, Grace, she’s a fish out of water in 1890s Columbia, bucking gender norms and fiercely independent. But it’s her love for the child she’s protecting that transcends cultural awkwardness and leads her to demand a visit to his mother’s grave, even if it means taking a beating. It’s a powerful story, and Amber is excited to share it with the world.
HEARD: You know, I’ve learned that growing up isn’t just about getting older. It’s about realizing that you can’t always charge ahead and change things without considering what’s worth fighting for. As an actress, sometimes I’m lucky and sometimes I’m not. But I just want to make movies and be appreciated for my work. I don’t want to have to be crucified to be recognized as a talented actress.
FILMMAKERFOCUS: You’ve been through some tough times in your career. Does coming out the other side give you more confidence or clarity about what you want from your acting career?
HEARD: Absolutely. Every experience, good or bad, teaches you something. And it’s those lessons that help you grow and become a better actor.
FILMMAKERFOCUS: You have two big projects coming up – one a huge franchise movie and the other a small indie film. How do you balance those two worlds?
HEARD: It’s definitely a balancing act. The big franchise movies come with a lot of pressure and compromises, but they also offer incredible opportunities. And then there are the small passion projects, where you get to work with amazing filmmakers and cast members and really breathe life into a story. For me, success is being able to have both of those things in my career. And I’m honored to be a part of both Aquaman and In The Fire.
