Tessa Thompson & Rebecca Hall Break Down the Dance Scene from 'Passing' | Vanity Fair

In this episode of "Notes on a Scene," Tessa Thompson and 'Passing' director Rebecca Hall break down the scene where Irene (Tessa Thompson) attends the NWL dance while "passing." Rebecca explains her artistic decision to shoot the film in black and white and the push back she received to shoot it in color.
PASSING is in Select Theaters October 27 and Netflix November 10, www.netflix.com/passing
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Tessa Thompson & Rebecca Hall Break Down the Dance Scene from 'Passing' | Vanity Fair

[@gi4nnanana]

Tessa Thompsons acting in this movie is absolutely incredible she’s truly an amazing actor

[@timmyb1965]

absolutely!!!! also so gorgeous

[@christophercobb249]

She gave the best performance I saw all year in this film.

[@suzetteanthony5181]

Passing is photographically an absolute treat for the eyes. The details in the opening scene showing her shoes, details of her dress, chattering and quiet sounds. I loved the dance scene and the music. The husband was a great contrast trying to be honest with his sons regarding race. Beautiful movie, delicate and strong.

[@jazziskincare9474]

I loved this movie all the actors and actresses were amazing 👌♥️

[@smileprayslay]

Tessa is mesmerizing and Ruth Negga deserves an Oscar for her captivating performance and portrayal of a soul looking to belong and to be loved wherever she can find it

[@jonathanscores6478]

I still can't believe Rebecca Hall is showing herself as a director now. Like I've been a fan of a good amount of films she starred before but never thought she'd already make a film and ESPECIALLY one with alot of deserved critical acclaim. Great for her

[@leahswenson7776]

Oh I loved that it was black and white! I can't believe that others couldn't see the art in it.

[@HomesWeLove]

OMG!!! I'm in love with Tessa Thompson's hair. AMAZING!!! 😍😍

[@jazziskincare9474]

It's beautiful 🥰🥰🥰

[@mac609]

This movie is a masterpiece and visually intoxicating. Kudos to Rebecca Hall and the cast of Passing.

[@ashantimaluleke2267]

This movie was mesmerizing and I felt like I was in a haze whilst watching it. Hall definitely played up the ambiguity of the subject matter. I enjoy artists who don't judge their characters. Also, Rebecca and Tessa look so divine in this interview. Honestly, I'm always skeptical of critically acclaimed films, but this film is equal parts subtle and extraordinary. Congratulations to everybody who worked on it.

[@shakilabruce5725]

M

[@tazcool09]

the way Tessa looking at Rebecca Hall ❤❤❤❤❤

[@khismet]

Admiration and Crush😍

[@jesusismytwinkie335]

Every single actor is this film is magnificent! Truly! The two lead actresses give such incredible performances, so real, I can’t even describe it. Acting is truly an art. Rebecca Hall of course completely out did herself.

[@melissaukgirl]

I love how great the relationship is between Rebecca and Tessa.

[@anjalisesen449]

I really cant wait to see this film- it just looks so beautifully shot, not to mention the intriguing subject matter.

[@dawnhorton5058]

I am going to read the book before I watch the movie. The line where she said "It would be easier for a black person to pass as white but not for white a person to colored" Right before this movie was announcing that it was coming I had read the story of Clearance King a white man who was geologist fell in love with a black woman and wanted to marry her but told her he was black man and pullman porter..... Ada didn't find out Clearance was white until he wrote her a letter on his death bed. Someone needs to make a film about that

[@lolalre]

ooh I wanna read this, what's the book called?

[@alonsolopez7468]

@@lolalre Passing strange : a Gilded Age tale of love and deception across the color line by Sandweiss, Martha A

[@lolalre]

@@alonsolopez7468 Thank you so much!!! I be sure to read it

[@OneSwagaDon]

Both are so beautiful😍⚘

[@CertainExposures]

Somehow I completely missed the release of a black and white film in theaters with Tessa Thompson 😟. As a 35mm and monochrome nerd I HAVE to see this. She’s a great actor so I’m looking forward to it! 🙋🏿‍♂️

[@mwoods4608]

I don't think it was in theaters only Netflix??

[@kyleliegel]

it had a very limited theatrical release unfortunately. It was distributed by Netflix

[@butterbear3042]

Loved this movie. I couldn't stop watching it.

[@lightuponlight6727]

I cannot wait to see this.

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[@lindam6651]

Thank you for this.

[@CCEkeke]

I'm so used to watching Rebecca Hall in American roles that its weird hearing her native accent.

[@s20031102]

She is American on her mother’s side.

[@spiritunbound9414]

This film. It was all manner of incredible on every level. Sublime is how I would describe it.

[@mindtheprivacy]

Rebecca Hall IS GORGEOUS 💙!

[@jazziskincare9474]

Yes she is 🙌🥰

[@cutzymccall7675]

Interesting that Rebecca discovered that she has black ancestors. What a great film! What interesting about it being in b/w: you put the color in yourself as you watch it. It was so powerful, it telegraphs color as well as b/w. As an artist for whom color AND b/w are so important, I loved that.

[@KeishaCharmaine]

I had that exact thought.

[@mirmir4003]

Doesn’t everyone? If you go down far enough

[@TTime1111]

Rebecca didn’t discover she has black ancestors. Her mother is black and she’s known this her whole life.

[@jazziskincare9474]

I enjoyed it being shot in b/w it looked amazing ♥️👌🥰

[@jazziskincare9474]

Rebecca said in another interview that she had a gran father who looked white and he lived his life as a white man.

[@Javialone9]

Love this two amazing actress!

[@MyWorldofFragrance]

I can't wait to watch this film 🌹

[@sherrybrown8608]

I loved the movie well played out and a great choice of characters!!!

[@margaritaescobedo7250]

I enjoyed this movie and am amazed by the cast.

[@rajsingharora26]

What a Beautiful FILM To the First time director Rebecca Hall & cinematographer ....but dear Rebecca Hall Tumbledown will still be one of my all time personal fav Comfort films of yours.

[@iamnikkitucker]

Loved it!!!!!

[@Richardangelo84]

Such a good film! Definitely worth a second watch!

[@estellacohen7122]

Love that it's shot in Black and White.

[@sylvesteruchia5263]

Does Tessa always look soo perfect?

[@meganbee.]

I absolutely loved watching this. I would love to see more movies like this with more African American stars.

[@inyenyenzi]

Loved this movie BUT I disagree when Rene says she can't tell...most people of Afro-heritage can tell because all people have facial features that we can recognize in our own families. I thought Rebecca Hall had an Afro-ancestor when I first saw her in Vicky Cristina, Barcelona because of her bone structure around her mouth which I looks like my Aunties and many people in East Africa. It's like the aquiline nose or diamond face shape which are more common in certain people than others and if found in others point to heritage.

[@linzeeb4]

Yeah I totally thought she was bluffing in that scene to not contribute to the exotification they talk about right after. It isn't a spidey sense of kinship like he makes it out to be. It's practice, familiarity and paying attention. Paying attention to White folks as a Black person is often necessary to be safe etc. But white people often had little need to pay close attention to Black people, just like Clare's husband makes plain.

[@shadowseer07]

I agree 100%! I knew Rebecca was in the first thing I ever saw. We can always tells.

[@shariffbrown04]

Dead on!!!!! Great post...we can always tell!

[@Nazaba09]

I can’t speak for African Americans but I’m half Mexican half costa rica and MY WHOLE LIFE have been confused as middle eastern. I recently took a genetic ancestry test so I’m waiting to see if I have any at all.

[@Amber-rk6em]

Yep, can definitely tell

[@Honest000w]

Tessa’s hair is on point

[@Hendry4415]

Love it 🥰

[@Alex-tk7gh]

Rebecca Hall reminds me so much of Shelley Duvall. She has such strong features.

[@samanthal133]

The end omg!

[@heatherjones3323]

Tessa is so beautiful 😍

[@lawc23]

wasn't aware of this movie but 2mins into this video and i wanna see it now

[@damaniqphillip2756]

Awesome

[@lahopkins9746]

I love me some Mr. Tessa Thompson. I think she is a marvelous actor.

[@fakethugtears4173]

Is it just me or are they in love? The intimacy!

[@kennethrussell1158]

She's married.

[@jesusismytwinkie335]

I wish

[@gregbrightwell662]

Tessa is with Janelle Monae

[@fakethugtears4173]

@@darla2080 people who say things like this are obviously cis white straight Christians with nothing better to do on a Monday night

[@fakethugtears4173]

@@darla2080 lmao tell me more about my life Darla

[@Frusshan40]

Amazing movie. Highly recommend.

[@moneypenny1267]

Amazing

[@mimifanet]

Tessa is so beautiful

[@bieassialaw6832]

Tessa is just beyond stunningly beautiful 😍

[@ericacooper336]

Tessa is a beautiful woman.Her facial features are so beautiful.Strong black features.Big eyes and dull lips.

[@johnwebb2442]

True

[@Lightner445555555555]

Just when I thought I couldn't love Rebecca more❤❤❤!

[@annettegutierrez6030]

💖💖💖

[@derricklangford4725]

I wanna see this

[@Accio_Eloise]

You're killing us waiting for the Billie interview 😂 but admittedly, I don't regret switching on notifications because there are some great videos posted to this channel!

[@ninarieck4544]

YESSS OMG- 😭😂

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[@alufmangoes6082]

i thought those girls were lesbians.

[@elizabethgeoghegan5167]

My favorite scene. Thompson and Camp had wonderful chemistry in this film, and visually so beautiful to watch them people watch.

[@victoriaalvin2446]

Great movie, just wish it couldn't have been about 15 minutes longer. Kuddos!!

[@CremeBrulee543]

Love Tessa Thompson!

[@theawesomeman730reloaded6]

Happy Halloween Vanity Fair

[@TEJAYheni]

Passing stories are hard to watch. It would have helped me, personally, if the actors were light enough to pass. It's hard watching people with full lips and wide noses enter a world that I know they can't enter. It's sad watching it as well. The experience of what it's like to be a part of smaller group or an out group isn't communicated as much here. I don't feel it here. At times, I was like pack my bags I'm going back to the 20's in Harlem. This ain't so bad. I didn't see what caused that stress just the stress itself. But I did enjoy the flick. I did.

[@donnachatham1335]

I don't think the actresses looked Caucasian.

[@mikikiagaston9635]

Right they looked black to me too

[@TEJAYheni]

@@mikikiagaston9635 it was jarring, right? It would help to be accurate just so people can understand what they're viewing. You gotta get the story right.

[@Kayodoms]

yeah I kept sayin that while watching it. it would have made more sense if Rebecca Hall played the role herself but I understand why she chose to direct it instead. Once I imagined what they were going for and how the characters saw each other instead of how they appear to us the viewer I enjoyed it more.

[@flovonnejohnson707]

Yup. And in some "passing" movies they've used white actresses to play them. It's weird to me considering that despite both of her parents being black, my grandmother was White passing until her 40s. So I actually have seen the white passing effect (or the "leftover residue" of it)

[@garysmith5212]

I respect their crafts but Tessa Thompson does not look white neither does Ruth Nedda, If Rebecca Hall could have starred in the film and followed it with a bio, It would have had more definition.

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

Yeah, it's lost me straight away as to the credibility of the whole story.

[@mserinrah]

@@dumfriesspearhead7398 Agreed!

[@nat0y]

It's supposed to be shot as of being viewed in the eyes of a black person, like we as the audience can tell they are passing while the white people in the movie can't

[@garysmith5212]

@@nat0y Most Black people can already tell, we're living it out to this day, we know the clues. It didn't need to be easy for me. That concept seemed to confuse the whole story. While I was watching it I was thinking, I know they don't think they look white. In the real world looking like that and pretending would not have lasted a day. I'd like for her to try again though.

[@petekdemircioglu]

💜💚💜💚💜

[@barbaraross5256]

I really got to see the insights of different eyes. I got to see a woman that half black looks White. To the one that if you look at her she is white but not. I really got to enjoy the movie this perspective of how they look at black and white the difference and the struggles and the tragedy that happened afterwards. 😢😢😢💖💖💖💖💖

[@theorderofthebees7308]

I ❤️Tessa braids

[@JustJonesyJ]

In need this movie in color

[@saharaloveland]

They can't pass in color lol 🤣 they should've got actors who actually could pass so it could be shown in color

[@Sienna.Jen2971]

@@saharaloveland true, but if you go too light they're no longer passing as black, either lol and I can't think of any actresses who would've fit the description so that the film could be in color.

[@chasehedges6775]

Tessa Thompson = Valkyrie.

[@skincarebagus1640]

PASSING IS A GREAT FILM & MASTERFULLY PACED

[@LUX_8]

Ruth and Tessa passing? 🧐 Where? How? 🤨

[@christinabishop9101]

Any idea the names of the songs in this scene?

[@MelanieGraceTV]

Fully enjoyed the movie but not what I expected at all. Loving this VF episode. Then, last 5 seconds I'm like..."Wait! What???"

[@brookec5454]

Why didn't Rebecca hall not play the role? She looks more passing than the actual actress rofl. Casting is stupid.

[@ritaclay7309]

Was this movie nominated for an Oscar?

[@annpayton]

Great call on keeping the filmation as black and white 🤍🖤... And oh wow too, on the subtleties in the character's conversations besides just 'passing' but much more!

[@rickihosein]

Rebecca Hall can be Emma Thompson's daughter!!!

[@blaqdiemenz]

B/W allows to play with so many other views and sets ups in a camera shot because of the fact that color is not in play.. And Rachael hall is everything logic wants to rap about 😂

[@ericacooper336]

I wished the movie had been in color.We could have seen the beauty in the style of dress,furniture even the paint colors on the wall.I guess if it had been in color that the two black ladies pretending to pass wood have been impossible for them to play.They look like light skinned black race people.Especially Tessa.She have beautiful afro American features.

[@catlinpanelo4458]

I think it added to the symbolism of the film

[@ssissigui8846]

The funny thing is that none of these actresses look white to me ! That's why I couldn't take it serious

[@ejoshcoron]

Tessa is a babe

[@ricardoortiz4870]

Valkyrie and Maya Hansen

[@elyhte]

UPLOAD THE VIDEO OF BILLIE

[@HeyManN1ceShot]

Ship

[@lisajohanna9738]

Rebecca Hall is British?? And why does that make her cooler somehow?

[@delrey874]

Because the British are more sophisticated and cooler than Americans.

[@itsjustani324]

wait becky not becky ? 😂

[@AirQuotes]

So sad people had to do this?

[@zaboselma8826]

you’re talking about the movie?

[@AirQuotes]

@@zaboselma8826 no irl in the past

[@jazziskincare9474]

Yes it is very sad denying who you truly are!

[@jazziskincare9474]

They didn't have to, They wanted to 👈

[@jazziskincare9474]

People really did this, and some still do and it's heartbreaking 💔

[@leptune]

She looks like Dua Lipa 🤣

[@kaysdash8556]

Rebecca Hall looks made her like she belongs in a Victorian painting

[@Tonicfly1337]

Where is the Billie interview?!

[@dmd7472]

Wait!! Why is Tessa speaking like that. She’s English.

[@cck6740]

No..she was born in LA and raised there and Brooklyn.

[@franciscacoutosantos]

you guys can make a lie dector video with Kristen Stewart

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

??????????

[@glowlight69]

I just didn't get the lesbianism in this film. I have to watch it again.

[@K1ngq4t]

The black and white made me hate it. It was frustrating even though I got the point, honestly. Life itself is not black and white. It was tiring for the eyes.

[@ericamlca]

Wait Irene or Hugh was in the closet??!

[@Anigel22]

I think both

[@lifewithlyza4488]

First 💖

[@ajeshbenny5955]

2 cute black girls🌷🌹

[@kittyfries13]

What🤨

[@cierrabalch3332]

@@kittyfries13 both of the women in this video are mixed

[@kittyfries13]

@@cierrabalch3332 I know.

[@orangemoonglows2692]

they are not black.

[@cierrabalch3332]

@@orangemoonglows2692 🤨 What does that even mean? Of course they are...

[@sheritamitchell1036]

I thought I caught that homosexual inference.

[@eliamefontana9560]

Eu acho que Rebecca is trans

[@tcla3854]

This was the weirdest movie I've ever seen.

[@wintersantiago2274]

Expand your horizons

[@tcla3854]

@@wintersantiago2274 worry about expanding yours!

[@arshogarafilyab8681]

I WANT BILLIE EILISH PLEASE

[@wintersantiago2274]

For what reason

[@brearagu9949]

Jesus is your way to heaven Believe in him and you will have life after death. He shed his blood for your sins to be forgiven.

[@ayamajdoub2580]

when tf is the billie teaaer

[@mirmir4003]

No one is taking about Alexander Skarsgård being racist. Even if it is for a movie that doesn’t make it right. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@jazziskincare9474]

He had to play his part👈

[@mirmir4003]

@@jazziskincare9474 doesnt matter.

[@mirmir4003]

@@jazziskincare9474 and I’m pretty sure the writer or whoever of the movie isn’t even black, or isn’t even fully black so it was even okay for her to give him “permission” to say the N-word WITH the hard R. I’ve seen a lot of racist movies, and movies about race and they all use “negros” never “N!&&er”. He and she needs to be held accountable for their actions. Not to mention him using it was just so stupid. He said it one time in the movie, and didn’t even have a big part in the movie so they could’ve used a different word. 🤷🏽‍♀️ in my opinion

[@StaminaMC]

It’s a non-topic. The less people that talk about such trivia the better.

[@mirmir4003]

@@StaminaMC I disagree.🤷🏽‍♀️

[@christianromero6604]

Rebecca Hall looks better w long hair.....

[@danishamcclendon]

To you.

[@queenwavySHAINAB]

It was hard to get through this film. Such a snooze fest.

[@wintersantiago2274]

I liked it because it told a good story and the acting was amazing.

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