Producer Joel Silver and actress Halle Berry reunite after having worked together on “The Last Boy Scout,” “Executive Decision,” and “Swordfish.” On casting Berry as the doctor who must battle for her sanity, Silver said, “Besides being gifted and beautiful, Halle brings depth and emotional range to every character she plays, and I knew she could really shine as Miranda. This character takes an incredible journey, and Halle has the talent and stamina to take Miranda to some very dark places along the way.”
Looking both relaxed and stunning in a form-fitting orange dress, Halle Berry arrived at the World Premiere of “Gothika” ready to talk up the movie. Here’s what the Academy Award-winning actress had to say about choosing roles and working with co-star Penelope Cruz:
HALLE BERRY ('Dr. Miranda Grey'):
How was working with Penelope Cruz?
I loved her. She’s really, really good in this movie and I think everybody is going to be surprised when they see the dark places she’s able to go to.
How’s your Spanish now?
Still no good (laughing). Thank God she speaks English.
Why do you keep choosing these physically demanding roles?
Because I’m a masochist, I guess (laughing). I love it; I love the challenge. I love to go to dark places. I love to stretch my body, test my limits, learn and grow. I always feel like I’ve done that when I do things like this.
How hard was it to act with a cast on?
Really difficult. That was a first and a challenge. I thought, “Either this is going to be interesting what I have to do because of this cast, or people are going to be like, ‘What the hell is she doing?’” So we’ll see what the people say.
Can you talk about working with Mathieu Kassovitz?
Mathieu was great. He was an actor first and that always helps when the director can understand sort of the psyche of his actors.
How do you balance your home life with your career?
It’s not easy, but it is doable. After working really hard, nothing gives me more joy than to either go home or call my family. Email today is a great way to stay connected, especially with my daughter because she’s often asleep when I have free time in the night. Email keeps us connected. I love email for that reason.
Speaking of private lives, Robert Downey Jr. and “Gothika” producer Susan Levin just announced their engagement. How do you feel about that?
I feel wonderful about that. Anytime people newly fall in love and decide to connect, that’s a good thing.
How’s the "Catwoman" suit?
Very comfortable (laughing).
"Gothika" Premiere Interviews:
Robert Downey Jr., Penelope Cruz, John Carroll Lynch and Kathleen Mackey
Additional Resources:
”Gothika” World Premiere Photo Gallery
”Gothika” Production Photos
”Gothika” Trailer, Cast List and Movie News
