Winona Ryder Interview
December 14, 1999
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In this one-on-one interview with Entertainment Tonight Online, WINONA RYDER gave us the scoop about her upcoming film 'Girl, Interrupted.' Entertainment Tonight Online: I read that it took six long years to go from the idea of buying the rights to fruition. That takes a tremendous amount of patience. What was that journey like for you? Winona Ryder: The final movie definitely exceeded my highest expectations, which is saying a lot because they were very high. I lovethis movie. I think it'sa beautiful film. I'mreally, really proud of it and I'm proud to be involved in it. It did take a long time to make. It was a real, not to sound cliche, "labor of love" for all of us involved in it. Especially me and JIM MANGOLD. He wrote this incredible adaptation and really captured these characters that SUSANNA KAYSEN wrote about in the book. They were honest, human, flawed, very real characters. ETO: I wanted to ask you about her, as well. Have you spoken with her about your performance? Winona: Yeah. She's happy with the film, which makes me incredibly happy. There is a tremendous amount of pressure when you're playing someone who you know is going to see the film. There are shoes to fill, and it's difficult. It's a big obligation, so I'm thrilled to say that she's happy with my performance. I feel very, very blessed to have been given the opportunity to play her. ETO: How is it different being an actress and an executive producer, versus just being an actress? Winona: Well, I was very committed as an actress to this film. I used my role as executive producer to be a bodyguard to Jim Mangold and to the integrity of the material. We had three other producers: CAROL BODIE, CATHY KONRAD, and DOUG WICK. So I just used whatever power that was given to me to make sure everything was okay with Jim, and that nothing happened to the screenplay and the integrity of Susanna's story. ETO: ANGELINA JOLIE played a very dynamic character. Was she like that behind the scenes as well? Winona: Yeah, she's a very dynamic person. She's an incredibly brilliant actress. Very emotional. Very raw. Very beautiful. Very accessible. She has amazing access to her emotions. It's likea well that she canjust swill from. So I was in awe of her talent. |
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