Winslet, much like her characters, sees herself as a survivor. She has endured two public divorces and the relentless pursuit of paparazzi. When she was a new mother, she would disguise herself, hand her baby over a wall to her neighbor, climb over the wall herself, then take the baby through the backyard gate and board a city bus where she could go unrecognized.
The strength Winslet displays on set is a defense mechanism she developed years ago in response to judgment and persecution. She refuses to let criticism bring her down, even if it means suffering in silence. As a mother, she is horrified by the public body-shaming that young women face today.
In “I Am Ruth,” a film made with her daughter, Winslet explores the impact of social media bullying on teenagers. She has transitioned from an ingénue to a fierce protector, advocating for her crew on set and providing support and guidance to younger actors.
Winslet draws on her life experiences to bring depth to her roles. As she has aged, emotions have become easier to access, thanks to the multitude of experiences she has accumulated over the years. Her scripts are filled with notes detailing the emotional beats she needs to hit.
