The Testament of Ann Lee rethinks the movie musical

Mona Fastvold's film The Testament of Ann Lee blends dialogue and song to depict Shaker worship, and Amanda Seyfried stars as Ann Lee.

Mona Fastvold's new film The Testament of Ann Lee presents a different form of musical cinema by weaving song into dialogue and dramatic scenes. Fastvold researched Ann Lee, the 18th-century leader who brought the Shaker movement from England to the American colonies, and saw cinematic potential in the story. The film was co-written with Brady Corbet and aims to show Shaker worship through music, dance and intense emotional sequences. Amanda Seyfried plays Ann Lee and was warned the role would require hard work and an uncomfortable process. Key facts: - The film blends spoken scenes and musical performance to portray Shaker worship and ecstatic song. - Mona Fastvold co-wrote the film with Brady Corbet and based the project on research into Ann Lee and Shaker history. - Amanda Seyfried stars as Ann Lee and worked on achieving a vocal style described as intentionally imperfect for the role. - The Shaker beliefs shown in the film include social equality, celibacy, pacifism and communal living, and followers regarded Ann Lee as a female embodiment of Christ. - A montage in the film depicts Lee giving birth four times and losing the children, choreographing grief and song. Summary: The film is in theatres now and incorporates musical elements into a dramatic portrayal of Ann Lee and Shaker practices. Undetermined at this time.