More of this Feature ADDITIONAL INTERVIEWS: • Michelle Pfeiffer ('Ingrid') • Cole Hauser ('Ray') • Patrick Fugit ('Paul') • Director Peter Kosminsky • "White Oleander" Author, Janet Fitch • Producer John Wells ADDITIONAL "White Oleander" INFORMATION: • Photos from the Premiere of "White Oleander" • "White Oleander" News, Trailer, and Websites • "White Oleander" Production Photos

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After an exhaustive nationwide search for "White Oleander's" 'Astrid,' the filmmakers selected Alison Lohman from a field of 400 young women. Though 21 at the time, it was necessary for Lohman to believably age from 15-18 over the course of the film, balance strength and vulnerability, and display an emotional range as she matures into her own person.

"If she appeared too strong, the audience would feel that her survival was unquestionable and if she appeared too weak they might think ‘she’ll never make it,’ which can be depressing to watch. What Alison managed to do was convey inner strength while struggling with the natural doubts and insecurity of a girl her age going through such adversity," explains executive producer Hunt Lowry.

Director Peter Kosminsky adds, “It’s a tough job. She is in virtually every scene, and she is captivating. She has the kind of face that draws you in to closer and closer shots as you try to explore what’s going on behind her eyes. It was important that the actress who played this part knew how to be very still because Astrid is a watcher and a listener, a girl who sits on the edge of life observing and sketching. Alison has that wonderful quality. She seemed to understand the part inherently.”

ALISON LOHMAN (Astrid)

What do you think this movie teaches us about mother-daughter relationships?
Mothers and daughters can have love/hate relationships yet in the end there will never be a closing end to it. For Astrid, no matter what challenges they go through, they are going to face each other. It's hard for a daughter to accept that her mother is that selfish and that terrible.

How do you see Astrid?
I just think that through the challenges that she has to face, she maintains her dignity and her identity. She is a survivor. She gets through it and basically that's what it's about. It's the story of a girl and a journey of self-discovery. It may not be a perfect ending but she gets through it okay.

Did you identify with her in a personal way?
I think everybody faces challenges in their lives. I've definitely been through it - not to the extreme that Astrid did. I try to keep some kind of identity and strength.

How much do you think Astrid wishes for a different mother?
I think that there is a point that she wishes she had a different mom or that her mother had a different outlook.

What's your feeling about mothers who control their daughters?
It's a fine line. I think that there has to be a balance created. You have to set the boundaries and not control too much, and let them do their thing. They have to experience - just like Astrid - in order to find out who they are.

What do you think about the Oscar buzz surrounding your performance in this film?
I can't believe people are saying that. I'm shocked. I was learning on this movie (laughing). I'd be flattered - completely flattered - that people would think that.