In one year, Alicia Vikander has stepped into Hollywood and made her presence felt with some very interesting movies that include Ex Machina and The Man from UNCLE. She’s still new, but she already has people loving her and admiring her work. She will soon be seen in ‘The Danish Girl’ opposide Eddie Redmayne. Rumour has it she might receive a nomination for her role in this film. She appears on this UK issue of Harper’s Bazaar, where she discussed a lot of things including dancing, living in London, award season, her journey in Hollywood and what she does in preparation once she takes a role.
Alicia Vikander on studying at the Royal Swedish Ballet School until she was 18
I think I knew deep down that I wouldn’t be able to dance until [I was] thirtysomething. I still have a really bad back … but it wasn’t just that. First of all, I don’t think I wanted to live my life as a dancer. It’s hard, and I realised I really loved to dance and be on stage, but it’s also three, four hours of training every day to do that, to be on that level.
Alicia on moving to London
I think I was really scared the first year of losing friends and contacts and life, mixed with being extremely excited to go away. And then it was quite lonely sometimes … but it’s great now.
Alicia on her journey so far in Hollywood
I’m just not very used to it. I had three years when all I did was work, and I was a bit protected, I think. I didn’t do any press, and now, it’s been a lot. I still feel very much like a newbie. It’s been both exciting and terrifying at the same time.
Alicia on why she prepares vigorously when she takes a role
I always like to be extremely well prepared because otherwise I get freakin’ nervous.