I really liked filming in NY. I love the city. Everyone says it’s so inspiring and energetic, and it is. We shot on the Lower East Side [and] walked eight flights of stairs every morning. You really felt like the character. It helped to be in that world, and you really stayed focus. You really felt everything. It was really magical. It was like doing a play. New York is so stimulating anyway. You go from work to dinner and you’re constantly observing.
Did you know writer/director Peter Hedges before this movie?
No, I met him for this movie. But I met him about a year before we shot it. We talked on the phone a lot during that period of time.
Were you the first person cast?
Yes.
Why did you hang on so long after signing on to the project?
I thought it was one of the best things I ever read. I really liked Peter [Hedges]. It was scary because it’s always nice to sign on to something where there are other good actors involved so there’s a safety net there. It’s kind of scary saying I would do this. I didn’t know who was going to be cast, didn’t know how long it would take, and I would give up a certain amount of time in my life. But that’s kind of what you have to do in this world and I just really enjoyed the material. I had a lot of faith in Peter, and his reputation speaks for itself. It was kind of frustrating when the movie fell apart so many times but it was one of those things you instinctually had patience for because you knew it would eventually come together.
Did Peter let you play with the character during that time?
He added little bits and pieces here and there, different lines that revealed a little bit more or less, but it was all on the page from the beginning.
The character was a rebellious young woman yet she had a passion about life. What do you think she was passionate about?
I think she was passionate about discovering new things about life – living on the edge, doing things that were different and challenging, different from where she came from, and just being her own person. She had a real passion for that.
Is that what turns you on in life as well?
I suppose it does. I love acting and I suppose taking risks is a huge part of being an actress. That’s thrilling to me - taking those risks. It’s almost addictive. I suppose I’m one that enjoys a good ride, a good journey.
You also have “The Singing Detective” coming out. Can you even compare working on these films, which are so very different?
I did these movies back to back. Doing “Pieces of April” was very emotional. I was either running up the stairs, mad, crying or holding back the tears, or frustrated – all the time in the character. By the end of the movie, I was pretty exhausted. When I went to do “The Singing Detective,” it was like there was no weight on my shoulders. I got to wear a nurse’s uniform and lip synch and make out with Robert Downey, Jr. so I was like, "This is fun!" It was great. It was fun to act opposite Robert, and all the people I met on that movie were just really good. I got to hang out with Broadway dancers who have 20 years of experience [and they were] telling me their stories. It was a lovely, fun, summer experience.
ADDITIIONAL RESOURCES:
Interview with Derek Luke
"Pieces of April" Photos, Trailer, and Credits
