ELISHA CUTHBERT (‘Danielle’):
What attracted you to “The Girl Next Door?”
Everything. The idea that I could come to work and have 18 wardrobe changes. It’s different from “24” where you wear the same thing all the time. And working really hard at becoming a different character. I’m used to being someone else 10 months out of the year. This movie was really something different for me, and just to help kick off a film career.
Why did you pick this role as the one to break out in?
Just from reading it. I felt something for it. I thought it was wonderful. I thought I would be able to bring something to the script and that was it.
What was your first reaction when you read the script and saw you’d be playing a porn star?
No!
And then?
Yes!
And why?
Because it was right. It was right for the time; it was right for what was happening in my life. I was doing “24” and loved that character and felt like that character for a very long time and wanted to do something a little more hands on as opposed to “Old School” and “Love Actually,” which were very important to me and my career, but this is a little different. It was like really nerve-wracking because I wasn’t sure at the end of the day if I’d be able to pull it off. But I worked so hard and that was appealing to me.
Why do teen romantic comedy movies like this appeal to audiences?
You know, I don’t know. I think this is more of a coming-of-age film. It’s a little deeper than your typical teen comedy, or whatever you want to call it. It has a lot more to do with life and experiences and relationships. The one thing I understand about this film is that there’s something to be related to it. I remember my memories in high school. I remember what it was like to have two close friends growing up and falling in love and breaking up and all these horrible things that happen – and all these wonderful things that happen. This movie touches on all those things.
Now that you’re finished with the movie and you look back on the days spent on the set, what immediately springs to mind?
The director and I. I look back now and we were very much at the same point in our careers. I think Luke [Greenfield] wanted to make this film because it felt like his baby. I wanted to make this movie because it was my baby and I wanted it to be something I’d be proud. It was different, and I hope people see that.
Do you see why people compare it to “Risky Business?”
Oh yeah. I think it has some sort of appeal that can relate back to those movies, movies that I loved growing up watching. That’s definitely what we wanted to have from this movie.
EMILE HIRSCH (‘Matthew’):
What was the best part of working on “The Girl Next Door?”
All of the experiences, hanging with people, Elisha, Paul [Dano], Chris [Marquette], Luke [Greenfield], Tim [Olyphant].
I’ve heard people say this is going to be another “America Pie.” What do you say to that?
(Laughing) I have to say, “Damn the competition to hell.” I think it’s its own thing. I don’t like comparing things, really. I think people are going to think what they think and it’s going to be its own thing. I’ve always been against trying to make a movie like another movie. That’s lame. It’s already been done, so why do it again?
Did you feel more pressure playing a lead role and having to carry a film?
It’s fun. I like having a lead role. I feel grateful to be here – and I just work from there.
Why do audiences love wild teen comedies like this?
I don’t know. It’s one of those mysteries. It’s indefinable.
Can you talk about the movie’s nude scenes?
That was a body double. I was only 17 at the time. The inner tube scene was originally supposed to be me naked and I was like, “Can I have a garbage bag diaper?” And they were like “No,” and Luke said I could have an inner tube.
How do you describe ‘Matthew?’
He’s a good guy who hasn’t broken out of his shell yet. He needs a little bit of help.
Does the girl next door help him with that?
(Smiling) I’d say she broke me out of my shell.
ADDITIONAL "THE GIRL NEXT DOOR" RESOURCES:
Interview with Paul Dano and Chris Marquette
"The Girl Next Door" Premiere Photos
"The Girl Next Door" Production Photos
"The Girl Next Door" Trailer, Credits, and Websites
