“Penelope only had a few scenes to bring this character alive and she discovered what Chloe was all about in just six days on set. She put everything she had into this role, and she’s really remarkable in it,” enthused director Mathieu Kassovitz.
I’ve learned from previous experience working premieres, you have to lean in to hear soft-spoken Penelope Cruz. Cruz comes across as congenial yet a little shy while addressing questions from reporters. At the World Premiere of “Gothika,” Cruz spoke about making her first scary movie and her admiration for “Gothika” star, Halle Berry.
PENELOPE CRUZ (‘Chloe’):
How was your experience making this film?
I enjoyed very much working with Halle [Berry]. It was a very different kind of project for me from the movies that I’ve done in America. This was a very different character. I’ve had characters like this in Europe, but it’s still like the beginning of my career in America. I’ve only done like 5 movies here [and] I’ve done 30 movies in Europe, so this is still kind of my beginning.
How would you describe your character?
She’s a woman no one listens to, no one believes. She’s in a state where she’s living in hell. They’re making her sick because they’re keeping her there, basically because of having nobody listen to what she has to say.
I never looked at this character as somebody that was crazy. I never looked at it like that. I think the fact that they are treating her like that, and they are doing all these things to her, is making her act like a crazy person. She knows very well and she defends that. She knows that she’s not crazy.
Did you basically just wear a hospital gown the whole time?
Yes, the whole time (laughing).
How did you prepare for this role?
I always prepare in a similar way. Researching different places, wherever makes me feel inspired for [the role].
How would you describe “Gothika?”
It’s a very intriguing thriller. I think it doesn’t remind me of [any other movie]. I’ve never been part of this kind of movie before. I’ve never done a scary movie before.
And your experience working with Halle Berry and Robert Downey Jr.?
Great. With Robert, I didn’t get to meet him but a few times but I admire his work as an actor. With Halle, I had all my scenes with her and I love her.
How crazy is it with both you and Tom Cruise (“The Last Samurai”) having big movies coming out so close together?
It’s great because we love what we do, you know? I’ve been so privileged that I can wake up every day and make movies and work hard and keep studying. It just makes me so happy.
“Gothika” Premiere Interviews:
Halle Berry, Robert Downey Jr., John Carroll Lynch and Kathleen Mackey
Additional Resources:
”Gothika” World Premiere Photo Gallery
”Gothika” Production Photos
”Gothika” Trailer, Cast List and Movie News
