Natasha Bassett
Natasha Bassett is an actress and screenwriter who was born in New South Wales, Australia. On her first audition at 14 years old, she landed the lead role in “Romeo and Juliet” at the Australian Theatre for Young People. At the age of 19, the ArtStart Screenwriters Program awarded her a scholarship in which she created the short film “Kite” featured in the Rhode Island International Film Festival, Balinale International Film Festival, and the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival. This June, she appears as Dixie Locke in Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis.”
Trench coat by Marcell Von Berlin
Bodysuit by Mother of All
Rings by Effy, Graziela Gems
Being both an actress and a screenwriter, how do you think being in front of the camera helps you to be a better writer and vice versa?
When I’m writing, I have to become the character. On the series I recently wrote, I was living in New York City and would wander around the city as my lead character to see the world through her eyes. She wore rainbow sparkly sneakers, had a terrible accent, and sat on the subway a lot. Acting helps me remove barriers between myself and fictional characters, so it doesn’t feel weird to do things like that. Growing up, we’d write our own plays at theater school. I found if I could understand the core of the story and why the words are written, I could understand more clearly why my character took the actions necessary to get what they want.
Left:
Blazer, necklace, shoes by Versace
Rings by Effy, Graziela Gems
Tights by Wolford
Right:
Top by Vivienne Westwood
Skirt by Faith Connexion
Rings by Effy, Graziela Gems
Is it true you are pursuing a degree in physics through Harvard’s online program? What sparked your interest in studying physics?
I study astrophysics online when I have time off. It allows things to make sense. I’ve always loved understanding math and science - I had better grades in math than drama. My family thought I’d end up doing something in the left-brain world. They never predicted I’d be in the entertainment industry. But it applies to everyday life. There’s a mathematical law behind most things and it’s our universal language. I even find there’s an equation for writing, each side and variable needs to reach a solution at the end.
Top by Prada
Coat by BGPR
Pant by Kalmanovich
Shoe by Louboutin
Earring by IHPR
Rings by Effy, Graziela Gems
Your first audition was at 14, just the beginning to a long and successful career. What’s your favorite or most memorable project you’ve worked on?
I have so many but “Romeo and Juliet” was a cool moment for me. That was the first play I did at 14. I love anything to do with Shakespeare and was desperate to be cast. I was happy to be a one-liner extra, a man, a tree, whatever. I got the biggest shock when I was cast as Juliet. I watched Baz’s movie over and over during preparation. He actually walked past me when I was rehearsing outside the Sydney Theater Co once and finished my speech for me!
What are some of your favorite Australian slang words?
Bruce. It’s what boys are named as in Aussie slang. There’s a really funny Monty Python sketch, which makes fun of this, and all the actors take their turn to introduce themselves as Bruce.
Left:
Full look: Rotate Birger Christensen
Rings by Effy, Graziela Gems
Right:
Top by Fleur Du Mal
Vest by Rebecca Minkoff
Rings by Effy, Graziela Gems
What is your most notorious failed baking attempt?
It’s more of a burning situation than a baking saga. During the pandemic, I learned how to make fried ice-cream. It takes several days to make the ice-cream hard enough to withstand the heat of the oil and you need to deep-fry the balls at about 375-400degrees Fahrenheit (that’s around 200 Celsius for Aussies). On my first, sad attempt, the smoke alarms swiftly sounded the moment I dropped these battered balls in the pan and the fire department showed up. Thankfully, there was no fire but I don’t know why my friends continued to let me stay after I almost was, quite literally, burning down the house. Maybe because we got along like a house on fire?
Top & Pant by Alex Perry
Rings by Effy, Graziela Gems
Shoes by Jimmy Choo
You studied at the Atlantic Acting School and lived in New York City at one point. What is your favorite restaurant in New York City?
I had a specific fascination with chocolate soufflé when I was living there. Suffice to say, I may have tried every chocolate soufflé in NYC. I had a table and graph and would give them all a rating. The greatest chocolate soufflé ended up being at the Bouchon Bakery in the Columbus Circle Mall.
Where is the most difficult hike you’ve been on?
I did survival trips back home where a group of girls and I would pack our own tents, equipment, and food for seven days and go into the bush. They were really testing and some people died doing them in the past. The best thing it taught me was endurance and persistence. You had no choice of giving up.
Trench coat by Marcell Von Berlin
How did you prepare for your role as Elvis’s first girlfriend, Dixie Locke?
I had the fortune of dining with Dixie in Memphis before filming. It was rather surreal because we went to a diner called Marlowe’s, where she had cheeseburgers with Elvis. Elvis was everywhere… The King covered the walls. While she was telling me stories about her time with him, he was performing “Suspicious Minds” on a TV right behind her. She was so charming and had a great sense of humor. It was an honor to learn more about her and soak up those stories so I could go play her with, hopefully, more authenticity.
What has it been like working with such a renowned director such as Baz Luhrmann? Having grown up obsessing over his movies, it was pretty dreamy. I think he’s even more of a genius after having witnessed what a collaborative force he is on set. I would come to set even on days I wasn’t working just to watch whatever magic he was orchestrating. Austin’s performances were really special to see, it was like stepping back in time and scoring free tickets to an Elvis concert. I couldn’t get enough of Baz’s world and hope I get another invite some day!
Social Media.
@natashabassett
Pants by Givenchy
Top by Dolce & Gabbana
Rings by Effy, Graziela Gems
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer + Creative Direction: Ben Cope
Talent: Natasha Bassett
Fashion Stylist: Jordan Gross
Hair: Kiley Fitzgerald at A-Frame Agency
Makeup: Lily Keys at A-Frame Agency
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Alessa Hatch, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
