Rooney Mara's directorial selectivity after 'Bad Experiences' and positive with David Fincher

Rooney Mara, known for her discerning approach to selecting roles and her collaborations with A-list directors, discussed her criteria for choosing projects at the Berlin Film Festival press conference for her latest film La Cocina, as reported by Variety. 

Mara emphasized the importance of working with directors she trusts, attributing her selective nature to past experiences in the industry.

"I really go by the director. I learned that pretty early," Mara explained in response to a question about her role selection process. 

"I had some bad experiences as an actor. And then I think it was probably after the first time I worked with David Fincher that I was like, Oh, follow the director. 

So I really make my choices based on the filmmaker and who I want to work with because at the end of the day, it’s all them." 

La Cocina, based on a play by Arnold Wesker, is set to premiere at the Berlin Film Festival tonight, Friday, February 16. 

Directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, known for A Cop Movie, she revealed that Ruizpalacios had penned a "beautiful letter" that inspired her to watch all of his previous films.

In a recent interview, Mara disclosed that her journey in acting nearly came to an end after a difficult experience shooting the 2010 Nightmare on Elm Street remake.

Reflecting on the ordeal, she expressed caution in discussing the film's production but admitted to feeling disheartened by the experience. 

The actress revealed that it was only through the opportunity to work with director David Fincher on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo that reignited her passion for acting. 

Rooney revisited her decision to step away from acting following her collaborations with director David Fincher on The Social Network and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. 

"David really took me under his wing," Rooney reflected. "He became my mentor in a lot of ways. 

He took such great care to make sure that I knew that I had a voice and that my opinion meant something. 

He constantly was empowering me, which I think really affected the rest of my choices thereafter."