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Laurie Metcalf loves Marion McPhersons flaws.

I loveLady Birdso much.
Im so happy for you.
How did you find out about the nomination, were you watching live?Thank you!
I was watching live.
I was up early, kind of jet-lagged Im in New York.
Im going into rehearsal.
Have you spoken to anyone fromLady Birdyet?I sent a text really quick to Greta and Saoirse.
I hope to get into contact with them after rehearsal today.
Lady Birdis so feminine, and its so real about mothers and daughters.
What do you love about Marion?I love her flaws, actually.
Greta wrote such a wonderful character on the page, and I liked to lean into her flaws.
I just trusted the material.
She could still be ultimately likable or understandable, at least.
Her passive-aggressive tendencies were all coming from a place of caring for her daughter.
It just doesnt always come out in the right way.
I like the mistakes that she makes.
We shared some sidelong glances with each other throughout the movie.
They see each other different.
Its magical that this movie can do that, and that Greta accomplishes it with such a delicate hand.
There are these little lines [in the movie] that make people look at one another differently.
They dont hit you over the head with it.
Theyre soft, and yet they resonate.
Marion says My mother was an abusive alcoholic, and walks out.
you might really feel the generational divide between these two women.Yeah.
Well, what if this is the best version.
They go by, but they really stick with you.
Marion never ends up sending them, but dad gives Lady Bird the crumpled-up drafts.
How did those letters develop?
I was writing down real ideas about Marion knowing how to talk to her daughter.
Im sure Greta actually later on really did compose something that she wanted to show onscreen in the letters.
I was surprised to see those also, to see what my character had written.
Dear Lady Bird,when I got pregnant with you, it was a miracle.
This day couldnt get any bigger!
This nomination, and then first day of rehearsal, which is one of my favorite things to do.
Its a lot to juggle rehearsals plus awards season.
How are you handling it?Well, well see!
I didnt plan on this at all.
Well be in previews during the Oscars, so Ill have to fly in real quick.