The Importance of Historical Accuracy in Film

Amanda Righetti on Portraying the President's Mother in Reagan

An Interview with the Actress

Amanda Righetti, who plays Nancy Reagan in the new film Reagan, recently sat down with us to discuss her approach to playing the former first lady and the importance of historical accuracy in making a film like this. Righetti's thoughtful answers provide insight into the role of the actor and the challenges of bringing a historical figure to life on screen.

**Q**: What was it like preparing to play Nancy Reagan?

**Righetti**: It was an amazing experience, but also a daunting one. I wanted to get her right, and that meant a lot of research. I read books about her, watched interviews, and listened to recordings of her speeches. I also had the opportunity to speak with people who had known her, including her husband, President Reagan.

**Q**: What did you learn about Nancy Reagan that surprised you?

**Righetti**: I was surprised by how smart and savvy she was. She was a very strong woman who had a great deal of influence on her husband. I also learned that she had a wonderful sense of humor, which often came through in her public appearances.

**Q**: Why is historical accuracy important in a film like Reagan?

**Righetti**: Historical accuracy is important because it allows audiences to connect with a film on a deeper level. When they see a movie that is historically accurate, they feel like they are getting a glimpse into the past. It helps them to learn about history in a way that is both entertaining and informative.

**Q**: What were some of the challenges of capturing historical accuracy in the film?

**Righetti**: One of the challenges was finding the right look for Nancy Reagan. She had a very specific look, and we wanted to make sure that we got it right. We had a great costume designer who worked tirelessly to create the perfect wardrobe for me. Another challenge was getting the dialogue right. We wanted to make sure that the characters spoke in a way that was consistent with the time period, but we also wanted the dialogue to be accessible to modern audiences.

**Q**: How do you feel about the film's historical accuracy?

**Righetti**: I am very proud of the film's historical accuracy. I believe that we have created a film that is both entertaining and informative, and that it will help audiences learn more about Nancy Reagan and her husband.