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Although Shailene Woodley is accustomed to taking on challenging parts, playing music legend Janis Joplin might be the most difficult task she has ever faced. In recent interviews, she said that she considers the biography 'Janis Joplin: Get It While You Can' to be both terrifying and inspiring. Woodley acknowledges that learning to sing like Joplin has sent her into uncharted terrain as she gets ready to play one of the most iconic and emotionally unvarnished voices in music.
As she brings Joplin's narrative to life, fans and industry observers will be watching to see how she strikes a mix between reverence, sincerity, and vulnerability.
The Weight of a Legend: Why Joplin's Story Matters
With an emphasis on her last days and the emotional fire that drove her music, 'Janis Joplin: Get It While You Can' seeks to chart the course of her life. Woodley, who is 33 years old, takes on the roles of both producer and star actress in this long-awaited biography.
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Due to California's importance to Joplin's own musical past, the project just received a boost when it was eligible for the state's film tax credit. According to Woodley, she feels a great sense of obligation to convey this story honestly. She has stated in public that Joplin's spirit—a powerful, soulful, vulnerable presence—has always captivated her and that she aspires to respect rather than merely imitate it.
With a script, wardrobe, and production aiming for period authenticity ("We have the outfits. Everything," she told The Tonight Show), the film promises a raw and honest look at the highs, lows, and contradictions in Joplin's life. Although there has been no formal announcement of a release date, the project's momentum indicates that it might materialize soon.
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Facing Her Fear
The music itself has been perhaps Woodley's greatest obstacle. Singing in Joplin's style is "very scary," she admits. It is extremely susceptible. Woodley claims that, in contrast to a professional vocalist, she "sang in the shower" but was unaware of her ability to sing outside of it until this project.
She is preparing by collaborating closely with producer and songwriter Linda Perry (of 4 Non Blondes fame), who is assisting her in striking a balance between allowing her own voice to shine through and portraying Joplin's gritty edges. Erry has pushed Woodley beyond her safety zones by putting her in unexpected circumstances, such as improvisational settings and empty warehouses with full bands.
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Image Courtesy: Rolling Stone
In order to transmit Joplin's energy without losing herself, Woodley acknowledges that emotional commitment is essential. She claims that by doing this, she is discovering new aspects of herself on a personal and artistic level. Although she hasn't set a formal announcement yet, the project's development and her candor about her fragility indicate that this will be a highly anticipated, intense performance.