How did Mendelsohn prepare for his role as Dior?

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Mendelsohn's Preparation for His Role as Christian Dior

Ben Mendelsohn immersed himself in the character of Christian Dior by spending extensive time with the show's costume designers and adopting a French accent for his performance. He found a deep connection to the role, stating that the longer he inhabited the character, the more he grew to love him. This preparation extended beyond mere physical and vocal changes, as he also sought to understand the designer's complex inner world.
Immersion with Costume Designers

Mendelsohn dedicated several hours to collaborating with the costume designers of The New Look. This intensive engagement allowed him to gain a deeper insight into the visual and material aspects of Dior's work, contributing to his overall understanding of the character. The filming process itself, conducted in Paris, provided an additional layer of immersion in the city's culture and Dior's environment.
Adoption of a French Accent

To authentically portray the iconic French designer, Mendelsohn consciously adopted a French accent for his dialogue. He reasoned that an Australian accent would not be suitable for the role of Christian Dior, highlighting his commitment to achieving a believable on-screen representation. This vocal transformation was a key element in his preparation.
Developing an Appreciation for Fashion

Despite his extensive research and performance, Mendelsohn acknowledged that he had only begun to grasp the intricacies of the fashion industry. Coming from a background where fashion's connection to the broader cultural moment, or zeitgeist, was not well understood, he admitted to having "only scratched the surface." However, his experience on The New Look fostered a newfound appreciation for the significant role fashion plays.

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How did Mendelsohn prepare for his role as Dior?

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