In the latest cinematic venture, “The Three Musketeers: Milady,” set to hit the big screens on February 8th, audiences are invited back into the thrilling world of the three iconic friends as they face new dangers. Amidst the battlefield where Athos, Porthos, and Aramis fight valiantly, D’Artagnan’s beloved is kidnapped, forcing him to ally with the enigmatic Milady. Eva Green, portraying the film’s most mysterious character, delves into the complexities of her role, revealing what viewers can expect from her character and why she epitomizes the quintessential femme fatale.
Milady is depicted as a warrior, embodying both masculine and feminine traits, capable of seduction as well as delivering a deadly blow. Green finds the duality of the femme fatale persona particularly fascinating, a trait that is accentuated through her costumes. While her femininity is showcased through dresses and wigs, underneath lies a readiness for combat, symbolized by short hair and trousers. This duality allows Milady to blend in and transform swiftly, presenting her in a light starkly different from previous adaptations of Alexandre Dumas’ novel.
The importance of distinguishing between masculinity and femininity in her character is paramount, according to Green. Milady’s femininity serves as a means to manipulate, seduce, and sometimes kill, making it her ultimate weapon. Despite her tough exterior, Green sees her character as more human in this adaptation than in the original novel, revealing a vulnerability beneath her armor.
Milady’s reliance on herself is evident as she trusts no one, secretly admiring Richelieu who keeps her secrets. Green is particularly fond of a scene where Milady attempts to seduce D’Artagnan, briefly revealing her true self. This moment underscores Milady’s solitary existence, living always on the edge.
Green drew inspiration from the works of artists like Jean-François Millet and John William Waterhouse, whose paintings evoke a Shakespearean tragedy filled with mystery, sensuality, and poetry. These influences shaped her portrayal of Milady, adding depth to her character’s fatalistic and pagan tendencies.
Milady’s combat skills are highlighted as she fights with the agility of a martial arts hero, wielding dual weapons against her adversaries. Green’s collaboration with stunt coordinators ensured that Milady’s fighting style was distinct from the musketeers, reflecting her extensive travels and acquired skills.
Green’s portrayal of Milady’s inner turmoil, especially in a scene where she is stripped of her combat abilities and appears as an ordinary woman, showcases her complexity. This moment, according to Green, was played with sincerity, highlighting Milady’s survival instincts and the unexpected kindness shown by Constance, which deeply moved her character.
“The Three Musketeers: Milady” presents a fresh take on the classic tale, with Eva Green’s Milady at the forefront, embodying the essence of a femme fatale navigating through manipulation, survival, and a quest for identity amidst the chaos of love and war.