While breaking a world record is an incredible achievement, the thought of fearing for your life in the process can be quite unsettling. Kate Winslet, the renowned actress best known for her role in Titanic, genuinely believed she had met her end after breaking the record for the longest time spent holding her breath underwater on the set of Avatar: The Way of Water.
As Winslet turned 49 on October 5, she reflected on her experience during the filming of the James Cameron-directed sequel, which premiered in 2022. The film continues the journey of Jake Sully (played by Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), who now share four children, navigating life amidst the looming threats from the “sky people.” Winslet’s character, Ronal, leads the oceanic Metkayina clan alongside Tonowari (Cliff Curtis).
Extensive Training for Underwater Role
To prepare for her underwater scenes, Winslet committed to “three weeks of training every single day.” In an interview on The Graham Norton Show, she explained the rigorous process of learning how to manage her oxygen levels efficiently. “It’s a very detailed, quite extraordinary process,” she said, underscoring the dedication required for the role.
A video captured during her training shows Winslet attempting to see how long she can hold her breath. After finally surfacing to catch her breath, she humorously asked, “Am I dead?” It was a moment filled with tension as she waited to learn her official time, expressing her disbelief at achieving such a feat.
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Breaking Tom Cruise’s Record
Winslet ultimately achieved an astonishing record of “7:15,” breaking Tom Cruise’s previous record of six minutes, which he set while filming Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. The news left her ecstatic, as she leaped with joy at the realization of her accomplishment.
“I have the video of me surfacing saying, ‘Am I dead, have I died?’ And then going, ‘What was [my time]?’” she recounted with a smile. The moment was monumental not just for her but also for the film crew, as Winslet was eager to share her success with director James Cameron.
Motivation and Inspiration For Kate Winslet
Reflecting on her record-breaking achievement, Winslet expressed her desire to push beyond her limits. “I wanted to break my own record, which was already six minutes and 14 seconds. And I was like, ‘Come on!’ So I smashed my own record by a minute,” she stated, demonstrating her determination and spirit.
Working alongside “elite military divers” trained her to hold her breath after taking a big gulp of supplemental oxygen, allowing her to surpass her own expectations. “I had some concerns… but that’s what the training was for. And I really wanted to do it,” she admitted, revealing her motivation to defy age-related stereotypes.
A Fearless Attitude
Kate Winslet’s fearless attitude is a hallmark of her character, both on and off the screen. “My hope is that what I receive from the universe is even more outrageous than anything I can think of,” she reflected. This mindset allows her to embrace challenges without limitations.
“I don’t really say to myself, ‘Well, you can’t do this.’ Or, ‘You can’t do that.’ Let me at it! And we’ll see,” Winslet affirmed, inspiring many to adopt a similar outlook toward life’s challenges. Her journey highlights the importance of perseverance and courage in the face of fear.
A New Chapter for Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet’s underwater record not only marks a remarkable achievement in her career but also symbolizes her relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries. As she continues to inspire others, her experience reminds us all that embracing challenges can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Whether in the depths of the ocean or in the realm of acting, Winslet’s fearless approach exemplifies what it means to truly live life to the fullest.
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