Catching up with the busy young star at the LA Premiere of "The United States of Leland," I had the opportunity to find out how she feels about writers who direct and about the atmosphere on the set.
INTERVIEW WITH JENA MALONE ('Becky'):
According to the production notes, you are a believer in the middle child syndrome and that affected how you portrayed Becky.
(Laughing) It was also in the press notes that Ryan Gosling is an established rhythm guitarist and he doesn’t play rhythm guitar at all. So I think there was a bit of miscommunication in there.
What was it like to work with a writer/director?
I find some of the most incredible learning experiences have been with first time writers and directors. In the past four years I’ve been able to work with – really just for how long I’ve been doing this – I’ve been able to work with quite a bit of them and it’s always been a very interesting experience where I learn a lot about myself. And what I need and what I don’t need, and just certain things like that. I love it. I think it’s such a beautiful opportunity as well to sort of let someone make a film, in an odd way when certain actors are involved, people think that – it attracts other actors. Like Kevin Spacey coming on to this project and really believing in it, and putting all his faith in this writer/director, sort of sets a certain precedent.
When you work with a writer/director, do they tend to be more possessive of their words and their characters?
It really depends. It depends on what their creative process is. I’ve worked with both types.
What attracted you to playing ‘Becky?’ You must get hundreds of scripts to consider.
Yes and no. Mostly it was just the truth and the story. I just loved a really honest depiction of young girls. I want to see that in cinema and I try to make that happen. So as soon as I read one I sort of gobble it up and try to make it happen.
Do you have an opinion as to why Leland did what he did?
You know, I do, because I know the director and I know what he was going for. But I don’t want to taint anyone’s opinion of what they should walk out of the film thinking.
Did your opinion of his character change throughout the course of the film?
No. It was pretty much like you knew from the beginning. Not from the very first reading of the script, but after discussing it with the director.
And what about working with this ensemble cast? It’s got a great group of young actors mixed with veteran actors – Kevin Spacey, Lena Olin, Martin Donovan. What was the atmosphere like on the set?
It was sort of fun and exciting. I think when you get a group of actors together that are so passionate about what they are working on and you know there’s not a lot of money involved so everyone is giving 120% all the time because they really do want to be there, it becomes such a wonderful, energetic atmosphere. It was truly fun to be in. Sometimes it was a little bit heavier and you certainly respect each other’s space and other times you are cracking jokes.
ADDITIONAL "THE UNITED STATES OF LELAND" RESOURCES:
"The United States of Leland" Cast Interviews: Ryan Gosling / Don Cheadle / Writer/Director Matthew Hoge and Actor/Producer Kevin Spacey
"The United States of Leland" Photo Gallery
"The United States of Leland" Credits and Movie News
