The film based on Remarque’s novel has already received seven BAFTA awards and was nominated for an Oscar in 9 categories. Screenwriter Leslie Patterson says she’s dreamed of making a movie adaptation of her favorite book ever since high school.
Leslie Patterson, 42, a British-born and five-time triathlon champion, is a new star in the film industry. “All Quiet on the Western Front” Leslie Patterson dreamed of filming since high school, when this book by Remarque became her favorite. But she had no connections and no money. So she invested in the creation of the film prize money received at competitions. In Costa Rica, she entered the track with a broken shoulder, because she knew that there was no other way to get money. She spoke about her path to fame and preparation for the triumphant Oscar in her diary, writes the Daily Mail.
Now the producers already want to film her own story. And she told how long it took to fulfill her dream.
Leslie moved to Los Angeles with two suitcases and to earn money, she got a job as a waitress at the Oscars. So the fact that she herself will appear on the red carpet of the main US film award on March 12, she sincerely admires.
She is far from the film industry, and therefore still does not believe that her brainchild has already received seven BAFTA awards, other awards and was nominated for an Oscar in 9 categories, including Best Picture.
Trailer for “All Quiet on the Western Front”
“When I moved to Los Angeles, this was what I dreamed of. When I worked as a waitress at the Oscars, I stood and thought:“ One day … ”I told myself that I might want this to exist. However, I still couldn’t imagine that this would happen,” Leslie admitted.
She says her parents in Scotland were overjoyed and her phone was ringing with calls and messages.
“Nothing like that happens to the little girls from Stirling, no matter how determined they are to play rugby with the boys,” Leslie jokes.
According to her, when you are nominated for an Oscar, it is not just one event. There are a lot of events and it is hard for a person who has never been connected with the film industry to adapt to this marathon. But there are pluses – there are always those who will help you put yourself in order.
“Since you’re an Oscar nominee, there will always be people in the background waving mascara brushes,” jokes Leslie, who met Tom Cruise at an Oscar nominee dinner, which she still can’t believe.
“He said, ‘I know your story! How many hours a day do you still exercise? He was delighted with my triathlon training schedule and told me that he himself trains for three hours a day, even when he has a shoot. “We bond because of this – for a few minutes, until he is taken away to talk to someone “Something else. But can I just repeat it – Tom Cruise knows who I am!” Leslie laughs.
At the BAFTA ceremony, Leslie almost fell, but she was saved by actor Jamie Dornan. She also noted that being a star is convenient: you can fly when it is convenient, and not choose cheap night flights. But the hardest part was finding a “not too stupid pose” to pose for the photographers.
Leslie Patterson at BAFTA
And she was also not ready for the fact that the ceremonies are so long and it is impossible even to go to the toilet. They also have late meals, so Leslie stocked up on energy bars.
“It’s amazing how few places you can store energy bars in red carpet dresses, but here husbands with pockets come in handy,” jokes the Oscar nominee. And she recalls that when she was introduced to Prince William, and he said what impression the film had made on him, she could only think that it looked like she had not chewed her candy bar.
And then Leslie was faced with the need to choose a dress for the Oscars.
“Almost immediately after the nominations were announced, people started asking, ‘What are you going to wear?’ or more specifically, ‘Who are you going to wear? I usually wear sportswear, but I resist the urge to say “Nike”, although there is a small part of me that is tempted to appear on the red carpet in cycling shorts,” Leslie jokes.
Leslie Patterson raised money for the film by participating in triathlons
It was a pleasant discovery for her that the designers themselves turn to the nominees to dress them. And immediately there are stylists who are ready to solve this problem.
Leslie became a client of Barba Kolchagov, who was engaged in the images of Kylie Minogue, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Billie Piper.
And she only asked that her dress reflect her personality, determination and courage.
Leslie Patterson and her BAFTA award
Photo: Getty Images
“When it comes to the final fitting, I feel like a real star. I’m at the Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills, in my Oscar dress. It makes me almost Julia Roberts,” says Leslie and notes that in addition to parties and receptions, the nominees receive a bunch of bonuses. For example, they can choose luxury gifts from sponsors for free.
“Yeah, that’s the irony of the movie industry. You spend years barely scraping together rent, and then when success finally comes, comes the freebie,” says Leslie, noting that her fame now helps her solve problems faster. After all, now everyone wants to talk to her, even those who have been ignoring her calls for months.
“What do I feel? When I’m getting ready to walk the red carpet, it’s hard to put into words, but I feel excited. Basically, I’m proud of myself, my team, the film that we all worked so hard to create,” and talking about that her own story could now be made into a movie, Leslie Patterson says she could be played by Kate Hudson.
The 95th Oscars will take place on March 12. In addition to the film “All Quiet on the Western Front”, “Avatar: The Way of Water”, “Banshee Inisherina”, “Elvis”, “Everything Everywhere and At Once”, “Fabelmans”, “Tar”, “Top Gun: Maverick” will fight for victory , “Triangle of Sorrow” and “Women Speak”.
Previously, Focus talked about the secrets of the film award, about which few people know. For example, the shade of the carpet has its own name and it is patented. 18 people spread it for 500 hours.
