Blockbusters, indie films: It's all good
FIVE QUESTIONS | Christina Ricci doesn't mind raking in the bucks for 'Speed Racer'
Christina Ricci likes to straddle the film fence. "When I was a kid, I did a bunch of bigger movies. Then I didn't do so much," says the star of "The Addams Family" and "Mermaids." Now racing down her path is the big summer blockbuster "Speed Racer," where she plays a certain driver's cool chick girlfriend, Trixie.
"I don't think you're ever like, 'Oh, I hope those big blockbusters don't come along because I'm an indie actress.' I never think, 'If I get another million dollars, I'm just going to puke,' " she says. "When this came up, I thought it would be fun to do a big family film, which I've been wanting to do for a long, long time. I mean, 'Black Snake Moan' wasn't exactly a family film."
(AP)
1 What was it like to work with the Chicago team of the Wachowski brothers?
They're amazing and awesome. They're really wonderful guys with this warmth and this fabulous sense of humor. They created an environment on this "Speed Racer" set that was really fun.
They also inspire such confidence on a set. As an actor, it's great to know that your directors have a complete vision of the entire film. Even if you, the actor, can't see it at the time, you know they know what it will be someday. My attitude was you guys just tell me what to do and I'm sure it will work out fine. I just put myself in their hands. I knew they would tell me if it sucks. So I forgot about being self-conscious.
2 What is it like to be the girl in basically a guy's movie like "Speed Racer"?
I never really felt that way. Larry and Andy have a big thing about equality. I never felt out of place as the only girl. I'd get to race the car and do some kung fu fighting. I also fly in a helicopter. You know, it's all pretty good.
3 Were you aware of "Speed Racer" from the cartoons?
I've been aware of Speed from the hipster stuff for a long time, but I never saw any of the cartoons until we did this movie. I did see a Geiko commercial with Speed in it. Oh, maybe I saw an episode or two when I was in Germany. What did I think of it at the time? Who remembers? . . . But I always liked Trixie. She was well-rounded and emotional in our film. There's a warmth to her. She's not just a prop.
4 As someone who has done a lot of indie films, you don't necessarily have to worry about the box office numbers on Sunday. Now will you check on how "Speed" does today?
Yeah! And it's such a weird thing. Now I'm thinking, 'Oh, sh--. I have to worry about this! I have to check numbers.' That's so wild for me.
5 You seem so much more comfortable in your own skin these days. What is the secret?
I think as you get older, you get calmer. I'm just more relaxed about this whole thing called life. I have a sense that things will just work out. My life until now has been incredibly blessed. Whether I was smart enough to value it, I don't know. Now I do appreciate things. I have a good perspective. I feel more at ease and less scared.
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