From Rebecca Murray,
Your Guide to Hollywood Movies.
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Elizabeth Banks played Jeff Bridges' wife in "Seabiscuit," one of the women who almost helps Steve Carell lose his virginity in "The 40 Year-Old Virgin," Glenn Close's conflicted daughter in the indie drama "Heights," and Betty Brant in the all three "Spider-Man" movies. Now Banks can add 'woman who stands up to killer slugs and other gruesome creatures' to her resume with her starring turn in "Slither," a horror/comedy from the twisted mind of writer/director James Gunn.

Elizabeth Banks Explains Her Attraction to "Slither:" So Banks gets a script that calls for her to be the love interest in a movie called "Slither." Her first reaction would be... "Actually the only thing that they said was, ‘You’re going to play Starla Grant in a movie called Slither.’ And I was like, 'No I’m not. You guys are out of your minds!' But then I read it and it’s a great script and it’s a fun time," confessed Banks. "I had the best time making the movie. It was a great movie-making experience and I was so lucky to have Nathan Fillion there by my side and Michael Rooker, who’s an amazing professional. And James Gunn who just laughs a lot and likes to have a great time, and wrote a raucous movie."

Elizabeth Banks on Working with Writer/Director James Gunn: Gunn wrote the script and made his feature film directorial debut with "Slither." Banks has worked with dozens of directors so how did she think first-timer Gunn did? Banks said, "He’s the most prepared person I’ve ever met in my entire life. I mean, just a truly prepared director. I’ve worked with some great directors – I’ve worked with Spielberg [on 'Catch Me If You Can'] – and I think that James is right up there in terms of being prepared and having a strong sense of what he wants in the movie. It’s so great to have someone like that leading the ship, you know? He’s the captain of the ship and he did a great job leading."

The Gooey and Gross Practical Effects of "Slither: "Well, you know, for actors not doing CGI is the best because we actually get to like hold things and touch things. It’s so much easier for us. It makes my job really easier so I was really grateful for all that. And I personally, I think it looks better on film sometimes. I mean, CGI, you’ve got to really go there, you know? If you’re making 'King Kong,' great. But that wasn’t the budget we had so… I’m really glad that we had actual things to touch and feel and KY jelly thrown at us and blood splattered. (Laughing) It was kind of great."

Elizabeth Banks on the Continued Appeal of Horror Films: "I think it’s the same as comedy. They’re just highly entertaining. They take you on a ride. They tap into your base emotions – fear and laughter.

I like being scared. I like roller coaster rides. I like jumping out of airplanes - all that stuff. I like the thrill and I think a movie is a great way to experience that thrill without actually jumping out of an airplane or facing a monster or getting cut up into a million pieces. You get to feed that crazy interest in fear without having to leave your seat, and you still get to eat popcorn and Raisenettes."

What's Happening with "Spider-Man 3:" Banks said she's done filming her part in "Spider-Man 3." "I’m wrapped out of 'Spider-Man 3.' They have I think 60 more days or something. I wrapped out last week."

Asked if we'll see more of Betty Brant in the next "Spider-Man" movie, Banks played it close to the vest. "You’ll have to wait and see. We’re at the Daily Bugle… I never know because I always feel like I’m going to get cut out of the movie so who knows. I’ve learned my lesson (laughing)."

Elizabeth Banks Interview - Play the Video