My character is fearless and I love her for that: Amanda Seyfried
March 17, 2011
For the Mamma Mia and Letters to Juliet star, this fantasy thriller is quite different from the films she has worked on so far. In Red Riding Hood. Amanda Seyfried plays the fairytale character and looks every bit the part. But for her, it is the courage of the character that attracted her to the film since she’s not like that in real life. Here she talks about the difficulties of acting with a computerized wolf and sharing a good chemistry with both her co-stars.
What attracted you to work on Red Riding Hood?
The script was really solid. With director Catherine Hardwicke I knew it was going to be a story for young audiences. I really don’t know anybody that would’ve been better than Catherine to direct this because she has this youthful essence. She penetrates that whole world of teens and young adults and I like to inspire that age group because they’re so much ahead of them and Catherine knows how to relay those messages in a really cool and funky way. She also likes to add sex to everything and I love that.
What was the best part about playing such a strong female lead?
My character is fearless and I love her for that because I’m not like that in real life. Therefore, playing that strong young woman that I never was is fun. It’s inspiring for me even today.
Did you enjoy working with Shiloh Fernandez and Max Irons?
Yeah. They’re just really good-looking. I enjoyed my time with them and really enjoyed making out with both of them which is always good because if it didn’t then the chemistry probably wouldn’t be there.
Was it difficult to work with a computerized wolf?
It was really hard. After five hours of breathing and hyperventilating I was dizzy and tired and didn’t want to look at a wall any more, I wanted something real but you can’t since it doesn’t exist. However, my imagination is very powerful and it really does help in my career.
Director Catherine Hardwicke sometimes played the wolf. What was that like?
It didn’t work. She tried really hard. She’s very sweet and I love her but she’s the director! She’s not a wolf by any means; she’s the sweetest most sensitive woman so it’s impossible for her to trick me for even one second that she’s a wolf.
What was it like to work with Gary Oldman?
He’s really smart. I don’t know how old he is but I know he’s done a lot of movies. To continue having that consistent level of sarcasm and humor at all times is great. It must be hard. He’s hysterical at the same time naughty; he’s just the perfect co-star to have around. Especially on a set that’s dense with chemicals and people and exhaustion. It’s good to have him around.
What was it like to work with Julie Christie?
She’s great. She’s this ageless woman who lives in a very easy going way. She just seems like she’s had it all figured out and she’s got so much experience and yet keeps wanting more. It’s really nice to know her and really nice to see how connected she still is. She’s prepared and knows that she’s playing a fairytale character but tries to make it as real as it could possibly be.