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Acting
since she was thirteen, Brittany Murphy has earned multiple glowing notices
since her first scene-stealing comic turn as ditsy "Tai" in Clueless
at the age of sixteen. But with the
recent succession of scene-stealing, acclaimed performances in such films as
Girl, Interrupted, Don't Say a Word, and last year's smash hit 8-Mile, Murphy
has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses.
Her flair for broad comedy is as impressive as her unflinchingly honest
dramatic turns - a combination that made her the perfect choice to play Molly
Gunn.
"Molly's
infectious spirit and larger-than-life presence required an actress with a truly
diverse arsenal of talents," says Yakin.
"Brittany really had all of the right qualities.
Molly has to be this force that pulls you through the film.
There are very few actresses that have the energy and vitality and
ability to pull it off, but Brittany really does.
She's physical and very free in a way that many actresses aren't. She's very uninhibited and has a lot of range, so she was
really ideal for the part."
For
her part, Murphy was thrilled to get to play Molly Gunn.
She was attracted to the humor in the script and the
Cinderella-in-reverse, fairytale aspect of the story.
She also saw a bit of herself in the Molly character, which she
describes, with a laugh, as "the eccentric parts of my personality,
multiplied by twelve."
Murphy
says her reaction to the script was particularly visceral and immediate.
"To me, it was one of those magical, unexplainable things," she
says. "I knew I had to do it.
When I read the script, not only was it funny, but I knew it would be the
most personal thing I've ever been a part of. It just really hit home.
"I
love Molly," she continues. "When
the film opens, she's not the most responsible woman, but she has a zest for
life and an openness that I find incredibly refreshing.
To be able to play a character like that, a girl trying to find herself
and to figure out what she's going to do with her life, a girl waking up to the
possibilities and realities of life in such a vibrant and exciting way - what a
dream! I'm so incredibly glad to
have been a part of the film."
Eight-year-old
Dakota Fanning was the only actress considered for the role of Ray Schleine.
Coming off her Screen Actors Guild Award-nominated performance opposite
Sean Penn in I Am Sam, she had quickly become the most sought-after child
actress in the industry.
"We
like to joke that when we bought the script, Dakota probably wasn't even walking
or forming full sentences," laughs Penotti.
"Then we realized after meeting her that she was probably reciting
poetry at age four." Stevens
adds, "Dakota was not only the perfect age for Ray, it's like the role was
written for her."
When
Fanning read the script, she liked that portraying Ray required a lot of ballet,
one of her own favorite pursuits. She
also saw it as a new acting challenge. "It's such a different role," she says.
"I've never played anyone like Ray.
She is so tight and clenched."
She laughs, "And kind of mean, actually - a very fun role to
play."
"Dakota
is really remarkable," says Yakin. "She
approaches things from the point of view of character, and you can have
discussions with her as if you were talking to a forty-year-old.
And she gives a really great performance - in the realm of Tatum O'Neal
in Paper Moon and Anna Paquin in The Piano.
It's a different kind of movie, but her level is really up there."
"The
timing really could not have been better for Brittany and Dakota to be where
they are," says Stevens. As an
added bonus, it was immediately apparent there was fantastic chemistry between
the two actresses. "They are
hilarious together, on and off screen," says Stevens.
"It's really exciting to see them together, and there is a great
respect and support they have for one another."
The
two actresses indeed developed a very special relationship and cannot say enough
about how much they enjoyed working with each other.
"Brittany is such an unbelievable actress," says Fanning.
"And we can really communicate with our lines - they just kind of
bounce back and forth."
As
for Murphy, she says, "Forget about age.
Dakota is one of the most extraordinary people I've met in my entire
life. To have her as a friend is
pretty amazing. She's so wise, über-intelligent
- just a joy!"
Since
the film centers on the relationship between the two girls, it's a good thing
the actresses got along so well. And
the genuineness of their affection lends to the credibility of their
performances and their relationship onscreen.
It's what gives the comedy its surprisingly effective heart.
Molly's growing relationship with Ray helps point Molly in the right
direction, helps her pick herself up and lead a new kind of life.
And Molly teaches Ray how to let go of control a little bit, and how to
deal with loss and the curveballs life can throw your way.
Molly and Ray help each other find balance.
"Some
would say grownups can't be friends with kids," says Murphy, "but they
can. This movie is about the
relationship that develops between two very unlikely friends.
Because each is able to offer the other something they really need, Molly
and Ray become true friends, and their age difference doesn't matter.
I love that. Molly teaches
Rae how to be a child and Rae teaches Molly how to be an adult, and they give
each other their hearts and change each other's life.
That's a perfect example of a great friendship."
"Ray
gives Molly the tools to become a woman," says Jacobs.
"And Molly gives Ray her childhood back."
Jacobs feels what is unique about Molly as a heroine is her childlike
spirit; though she faces many setbacks and struggles, she never shows any
bitterness. Yet, Molly still has
doubts about herself, and her relationship with Ray gives her confidence. "Molly is someone who has never had her spirit
broken," says Jacobs. "She
saves Ray's spirit, and Ray gives Molly the confidence that her spirit is
wonderful."
Send an Uptown Girls E-Card!
[ Ray's
Tea Party ] [ Ray
at the Ballet ] [ Molly
and Ray ]
[ Molly's Night Life ] [ Molly's
Friends ] [ A Day In The City
With Molly ]
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