Michelle Dockery: "It was as if I had never left Downton Abbey"

Four years after the broadcast of the last chapter of Downton Abbey, the story of the Crawley family and their servants returns, to the delight of the fans, with a continuation h

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The actress takes up her character as a British aristocrat in a film that continues the plot of the famous teleserie

Four years after the broadcast of the last chapter of Downton Abbey , the story of the Crawley family and their servants returns, to the delight of the fans, with a continuation made for the big screen. The series created by Julian Fellowes, which was on the air for six seasons , explored the life of the aristocrats and their servitude between 1912 and 1926 and became one of the most successful dramas of recent times . She has been recognized with Guinness for the most acclaimed English-speaking series in history and won the Golden Globe and Emmy for Best Miniseries.

In Downton Abbey , the film, the action takes place in 1927, when the Crawley family receives a visit from King George V and Queen Mary. Over two hours, the film reveals what has happened to each of the characters, played by Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Elizabeth McGovern or Maggie Smith, among others.

Michelle Dockery (Barking, Essex, England, 1981) takes up the role of Lady Mary Crawley, the eldest daughter of the family . Throughout the series, her character has overcome several crises, has fallen in love and has been crowned as the heiress of the future of the luxurious mansion nestled in the English countryside.

What has it been like to be Lady Mary Crawley again four years after the last chapter was issued? Each of the interpreters have experienced something different. In my case, the first scene I shot of this movie was far from the castle, in a studio and giving the replica to Jim Carter, who plays the butler Charles Carson. It was as if I had never left Downton Abbey. We have felt a special emotion after having worked in the series for so long. It was as if we had not abandoned that. Was the jump to the movies a challenge then? In the early days, I remember talking to actress Laura Carmichael that our faces were going to look bigger in the cinema. Then we decided that we could not treat the project differently because it is still an extension of the series with a higher level. In the film she stars in a very special scene with Maggie Smith in which the veteran actress shows off her talent by her side. What was it like to be a direct witness of that moment? Throughout the series, any scene I made with Maggie was special and a privilege. But that particular moment in the movie was even more so. It was very emotional and not only because of an emotional issue, but because I got into the situation a lot. I will never forget that moment. Maggie is a wonderful actress. Did you feel a big difference when moving the story to the movies? We have been very aware that it was something older and enjoyed the luxury of having more time to record. That is much appreciated because you can better find the right path of a scene.

The story takes place in 1927, when the Crawley family is about to receive a visit from King George and Queen Mary

Although it does not reveal much of the plot. What time is Lady Mary, her character? Mary wonders in the movie how much longer they could keep a castle like Downton Abbey. Throughout the series, that issue has always been present. What I like about someone like Lady Mary is that, at first, I didn't want to accept the responsibility of having to take care of the house. And now he accepts it instead. Deep down, that theme has always meant a lot to her, so we see her accepting her work with more decision and experience. The female characters who live in Downton are modern for the time and the series is full of strong and interesting women. Is there any change in that sense in the film? My character, Mary, as well as Edith, who plays Laura Carmichael, are seated in their new situation. They found their men, they have their lives and they have evolved. What detail has made the difference for you in this shoot? I love all the old cars we have used. Whenever it was my turn to get on one of them, whether in the series or in the movie, I felt enthusiastic. What fate would you like your character to have in the event that another feature film was made? I would like to see Mary as a woman who has been able to maintain the happiness she has achieved. Sometimes I think I should travel and get out a little more (laughs).

Michelle Dockery: "It was as if I had never left Downton Abbey"

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