Actor Sophie Nélisse Discusses Taking on the Role of ‘The Great Gilly Hopkins’

Sophie Nélisse may only be 16 years old, but she’s already been recognized with a few acting awards and worked alongside notable actors like Geoffrey Rush, Kathy Bates and Octavia Spencer. She first broke through in the war drama, “The Book Thief,” but in her latest film the actor gets to show off her feisty side. In “The Great Gilly Hopkins,” Nélisse plays the tough but lovable Gilly, a foster kid trying to find a place to call home. Nélisse discusses the role and her experience filming it.

What can you tell people about “The Great Gilly Hopkins,” and why they should see the movie?

I think there are many reasons to go see ‘The Great Gilly Hopkins.’ First, there are many great animated movies for the whole family, but not that many real-life human stories like ‘Gilly.’ Moreover, Gilly’s situation, although romanticized, does deal with real life issues, from loneliness, to not feeling loved or not feeling like you have any friends, family, and finding good in what sometimes feels like a bad situation; making the best of life and opening yourself up to the goodness of people and making new friends. And, last but not least because of all the great actors that bring you this story hoping you will enjoy it.

Did you read the book by Katherine Paterson beforehand?

No. I actually never read any of the books of the movies I’ve made so far and many of them were from books. I feel like I want to concentrate on the script while I do the movie and then maybe read the book once I’m done shooting. So, I did read it but not as a preparation to the movie.

What attracted you to the role?

I got to be a meanie for a while—I was always the good girl and I saw the opportunity to play a character that mostly acts very differently than myself in my everyday life. It seemed fun, and it was. But, I must admit I wanted to play a more mischievous Gilly than I got to.

Is any part of your personality like Gilly Hopkins?

Yeah, I can be hard to approach in the way that I don’t let everybody in my bubble and do like my personal space. I am also very strong willed like Gilly; if my mind is made up I will do what it takes to get what I want. I’m also good in school, but I’m not at all a tomboy as she is, and Gilly and I definitely don’t dress the same way.

The movie has a wonderful cast. What was it like to work with acclaimed veteran actresses Kathy Bates, Octavia Spencer and Glenn Close?

Obviously it was great! I am blessed to have the opportunity to learn from these people. But, I am more about the personality and what was great was that all these people were warm and genuine. I got to spend a little personal time with each of them and they were all nice. I mean, if one day I work with a great actor, but he or she has a bad personality. it will be hard for me. So far, all the great actors came with different but nice and interesting personalities that lived up to the standard of their acting talent, if that makes any sense.

The film has Gilly going through a lot of emotions, including some heartbreaking moments. How did you approach or prepare for the dramatic scenes?

Well I’m the opposite of a method actor and I just do it. I have a pretty easy time learning lines and I’m told I’m different in the way that I don’t feel anything when I play. I mean, I can be playing a sad scene and be thinking about the person I have to call or the test I have to do for school. So, yes, if I have to cry I don’t use fake tears so I have to think about something that puts me in a sad place. If I just have to cry on cue or throughout a sad moment I’m ok. The hardest thing about Gilly was a scene where I had to go from happy to crying within an instant. I kind of had to think about being sad, but had to keep dry eyes then let the tears come in frustration.

What was your favorite scene to film?

All the ones with Agnes (Clare Foley) because she’s so hilarious and full of energy. We had so much fun on set. We were kind of like sisters, so they were the best times.

What do you think causes Gilly to start opening up to her foster family?

I think it’s when she realizes that they actually really want her in their lives. She’s not used to having people care for her so when that opportunity comes she sees them in a different way and actually starts to like them because they like her for who she is.

The movie has Gilly wanting to find a real home, but has different ideas of what that means throughout the story. What do you think “family” means to Gilly?

At the beginning, Gilly longs to be with her mother and that is the only family she wants to have, but in the end, she realizes that family is what you make it and the importance of being loved and taken care of, the ones who are there for you.

Besides this role, you have also played a lead in “The Book Thief,” another movie adapted from a beloved book. What would be another dream literary role for you?

I think I would like to try a genre that I haven’t done before, so maybe a science-fiction movie would be really fun or something like “The Hunger Games.”

The Great Gilly Hopkins” opens Oct. 7 in select theaters.