Teen Elisha

Now I remember Elisha! She used to host "Popular Mechanics for Kids" on TV a long time ago. I used to watch her back then and was of the same age....I secretly developed a crush on Elisha without knowing who she was back then. But I checked up on the show and sure enough in the list of hosts mentioned there was a "Elisha Cuthbert"!

Elisha Interview

Q: So why did you choose "The Girl Next Door" to be your first major starring role?

ELISHA: For a lot of reasons. You know, it had everything I was kind of looking for as far as a character goes, especially at that time, because there wasn’t a whole lot happening for my kind of age range anyway. This kind of came along and had a lot of emotions involved. She goes from a girl who’s very normal and innocent to, all of a sudden, this transformation where she has this past and secret life. The pain and the comedy – all of it was there. So I thought that this was the perfect movie for me to showcase my skills as an actor and film, and also physically, [for] I change throughout the course of the movie to set a tone, to set a look. I thought, “This was going to be great. I can prove that I can have the skills to transform this girl from ‘the girl next door’ to the adult film star and make it all blend together evenly and nicely.” That was the goal anyway. So that’s why I kind of wanted it.

Q: And so you’ve never done nude scenes…

ELISHA: No.

Q: But you were in MAXIM recently…

ELISHA: Yep…

Q: Did you ever feel that in the way she exploits herself, you do that yourself a little bit?

ELISHA: No, no. Everything you see, as far as MAXIM goes, I realize the market that these magazines possess. I mean, the FHMs and MAXIMs of the world have a large audience including myself. I’ve bought them a few times and you know, I want people to be aware of the film. If I have to do the cover of MAXIM to do it, I’m willing to go there with it and I’m behind the studio in that way. As far as the film, it kind of came with the package. I got to be all these things for the character but at the same time, I had to give a little bit more as far as pushing it as far as the nudity goes. But I’ll never be fully nude in a movie and you can quote me on that.

Q: Why not?

ELISHA: I just don’t feel it’s necessary. First of all, I’m not comfortable with it. Two, I think you can be a leading lady and not be naked. I think you can still pull off an idea of a film and make the character believable without going there.

Q: Even if a high profile director asked you to do it?

ELISHA: Right now, in my career, it’s not so much about the director, it’s about 1) You have to be out there and comfortable and be there on the set, in front of a crew, and do something such as that and 2) The script. Is it relevant to the movie? There was nudity written into “The Girl Next Door” when I first got it and I went, “This isn’t necessary, this isn’t necessary, this makes sense, and this makes sense.” We broke it down and I sat down with the director and I said, “Here’s how I feel about these scenes and what do you feel?” And we went with me on it.

Q: Do you think that when audiences come to see this movie, they’ll expect to see you nude and when they don’t, they’ll be disappointed?

ELISHA: I’m pretty sure. I heard some of those comments when I snuck in the back, [during] the window scene, where as soon as I turn around – it just pushes the envelope that far enough and you just don’t ever really get there with it. I remember some of the audience members went AWWWWW…

But you know what? Nowadays, with film and all of this, and like the Todd Philips movies where women are kind of subjected to the idea that if you’re going to be in the movie and you’re going to be one of the ladies, we want to see your breasts. It’s out there. It just depends on how you feel about it, I guess.

Q: How many times did you see “Risky Business” and I was wondering if Rebecca DeMornay’s character influenced what you did at all?

ELISHA: No, not at all. I watched it though. We [Luke and her] watched it together not because we wanted to make “Risky Business.” It was because we wanted to make a movie with that kind of quality, that kind of idea that kind of makes you go, “What happened to those movies in the 80s? You know?” Cause I really like them a lot, but we just haven’t seem them in a long time. So we watched a lot of movies including “True Romance” and I even, to be honest, watched “Fight Club” for a couple of things for my character in this movie for my own reasons. We went back and forth with a lot of films.

Q: What was your reasoning for watching “Fight Club”?

ELISHA: I liked the idea of Brad Pitt, who kind of stood out to me in that film. First of all, it’s one of my favorite films. Danielle, in the character, had to kind of influence Matthew in a lot of ways. She had to be overpowering and I found that Brad Pitt did a wonderful job at playing that with Edward Norton. Mind you, Edward Norton played the innocent, quirky guy really well so the two of them worked. I just watched some of his actions and even though he was a male character and it was a whole different movie. You learn from actors. You watch a lot of movies and you go, “This was cool, that was cool, those choices were interesting” and you kind of apply them to your own sort of ideas and things.

Q: Does this spur you to become more of a comic actress maybe?

ELISHA: No. I’m all over the map. I don’t ever want to be categorized as this kind of actress or the sex symbol, or this genre or that genre. It’s about characters for me really. This is why I liked this movie. I felt like this was a character that is going to be fun to do and I think people will enjoy.

Q: Did you watch any porn before doing the movie? Like the karate scene?

ELISHA: I kind of brushed over that in the script. We went to go shoot it and went “Wait a minute? What is this scene?” It was so little in the movie. Also, when you’re reading that scene, you’re thinking of Matthew’s reaction and not so much what he’s watching on TV. I never really knew we were going to cut away to see anything. I just assumed it was what they said was enough. So when we went to do it, I kind of was like taken back but it was done tastefully and we never took it too far with it. But no, I didn’t have to watch any films.

Q: How did you build your chemistry with Emile?

ELISHA: It was really about rehearsals and stuff. We got to rehearse a couple of months before we actually got to the set and actually did it, and going over and over it. Luke was so meticulous about making sure we had all the beats down and everything was working the way he wanted it to. We were just perfecting the dialogue so much. It almost became Emile and I knew exactly how to play off of each other by the time we got to the set. So it was like quick and easy.

Q: Luke said that Emile was a very learned and serious actor. How does that contrast with how you work?

ELISHA: Not really. I focused primarily on what I had to with Emile as far as how we were going to make these scenes work. Obviously, his style of acting is very different from mine in many ways. I don’t know. The rehearsals stuff just helped a lot.

Q: Can you talk about Timothy Olyphant in "The Girl Next Door"? I thought he was spectacular…

ELISHA: You know what’s really amazing? I haven’t yet been able to tell him this because he’s crazy busy and running around. But there’s a moment in the movie where they’re out in the middle of the field in a car and Timothy Olyphant goes through five different emotional changes within two minutes! Two minutes! I was like wow. I was so blown away and he did it so naturally. He went from being angry to physical to joking back to like sincere again. It’s like, “How did you just transition in all those things. Just beautifully done.”

Q: Talk about the experience of doing television and film and how they contrast each other…

ELISHA: There’s a lot of differences. It’s changed a lot with me because with the movie, I just feel like we got to take our time and we were shooting like four or five pages a day and all of a sudden, you jump to “24” a couple of hours later and all of a sudden, you’re shooting 10 pages a day. It’s like, “Wait, I got to pick up the speed. I got to get my takes out quick. I gotta make this happen, otherwise, we’re moving on.” Whereas, with the film, we got to sit back and go, “OK, I know what I’m doing now. We can take it easy a little bit.”

Q: In “24,” you have to play in scenes that are outlandish but treated seriously because it’s all about drama. When you have to do comic scenes like in this movie, was that a relief from all that?

ELISHA: It was nice. I found it a little bit more difficult though. “24” has been something I’ve been able to do for three years obviously in my career and it’s almost a second nature now. I feel like I just put on the outfit now, the hair gets done, I’m out there and I’m Kim. The whole physical demeanor changes and drama is kind of something that I enjoy. But comedy’s a whole other thing. You got to find the beats and you got to find the punchline and you got to know how to make it natural and real and still make an audience laugh. I find it very difficult. It’s a harder process for me, actually. I have to work harder.

Q: Are you funny when you’re out in a crowd with friends?

ELISHA: I can get funny, yeah. I’ll give myself that.

Q: Your character has been cooped up in CTU for most of the season so far…

ELISHA: I’m breaking out. You can write that down.

Q: Can you say anything else?

ELISHA: It’s going to be cool. It’s going to be really cool.

Q: Is there going to be a Season 4?

ELISHA: I don’t know.

Q: Would you come back?

ELISHA: You know what, it just all depends on the producers. I think I kind of overheard around the set that they might change the idea next year, or they might come back with the same premise next year. I don’t really know. It’s going to be up to the producers to say whether or not I fit into that process. If they ask me, I’ll be there.

Q: Are you aware as to how savage the online 24 community is toward Kim?

ELISHA: Yeah. I don’t go on it.

Q: Are you very protective of her?

ELISHA: No. You know what? I know who my character is. I always say this because I feel like this makes sense for “24” and my role on that, and that is that I can’t expect audiences to feel like they should love me or hate me. I just feel like if I can make audiences feel something out of my performance, I’m happy with it. If they’re writing on the Net about, “I can’t believe she did this, I can’t believe she did that. Let’s call her Bauer Jr.” Whatever it is that they do, I’m making them come together and discuss a character that is not me. To me, that means I’m doing my job.

Q: What’s in store for the last several episodes this season?

ELISHA: There’s a lot of different storylines going on. But it’s funny because I have a really great scene coming up with Kiefer in the next couple of episodes. It’s pretty amazing so I’m really excited to see it. I don’t often watch the show because we do it all the time but I want to catch that one because I want to see how it’s all cut together. It’s an interesting ending. It’s not like any other 24 ending.

Q: Do you know exactly what’s going to happen? Last season, they passed out different scripts…

ELISHA: Oh I know. I know EXACTLY what’s going on.




Q: Does the romance between you and Chase come back?

ELISHA: We need to let audiences know what’s going on with that. Unfortunately, we set it aside for a minute because of the duties that had to be done and we don’t want the show to turn hokey and make sure we can focus on the virus and not about children and relationships. But we’ll bring it back when it’s appropriate when we got some breathing time.

Q: So when will they let you know the plans for next season?

ELISHA: They’re mean like that sometimes. But you know what? I feel very confident because I had a conversation with one of the producers and he’s already working on an idea for next year. The only idea I’m not sure about is whether or not I’m a part of it so we’ll see.

Q: How was learning all the technical computer jargon for this season?

ELISHA: I learned how to type without looking at the keys now! I’m so used to being at my desk now, typing away. I can type like no one else. I’m really good.

Q: But do you know what you’re talking about?

ELISHA: Do I know what I’m talking about? I always ask because I’m the type of person that doesn’t memorize their lines. I kind of listen to other actors and feel like I need a response. Sometimes it gets me because I don’t even know what I’m talking about at times. So I really sit down with the directors and say, “Look, how is this word relevant to the story and if it’s not, let’s change it to make it relevant.” It’s the only way I can get this point across without sounding like I don’t know what I’m doing.

Q: Can you tell us a time when you were funny and tell us a time when you took advantage of the moment?

ELISHA: I was with a group of friends actually. (Laughs) I was with a bunch of friends recently and we were discussing how I was going to be on The Ellen DeGeneres show, which I’ll be on Thursday night, we’re going to tape it for the 19th. I was in a quirky mood; I was tired or whatever. I showed up at a friend’s house and there were a bunch of us. I said, “Guys, I’m doing ‘The Ellen Show’” and they said, “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Are you excited? Are you going to have a good time?” I said, “I’m actually going to do something cool: I’m going to dance for a couple of minutes.” And they went, “Dance? What are you talking about?” I’m like, “OK, I’m going to go into the closet. Announce some random actor and I’ll come out like them.” And I came out like them and I was like, “Oh, Hi, thanks!” just waving and I sat down. Then I said, “Now, announce me as if it’s me coming out.” And they announced me, and I started dancing, and everyone was cracking up laughing. More physical humor as opposed to sarcasm, I think, for me.

Q: Do you think you’ll want to do an action movie anytime soon?

ELISHA: Yeah. Whatever comes my way and makes sense to me. A lot of the choices I make are whether or not the director’s great or the character makes sense. I’m all for passing on something if I feel like it’s just not right for me. That’s normal for me. If something comes along actionwise...Halle Berry’s a great example of that. She can win an Oscar and do “X-Men 2.” Why not? That’s what we do. We’re actors. We play characters. We change it up. We don’t always have to go for the Oscar.

Q: Are there any characters you’d like to play?

ELISHA: Maybe like the Blondie story. She’s in New York right now doing the same thing I am so maybe if we run into each other…

Q: You seem to have cold feet with the movie opening this weekend in that you hope that everyone rushes out to go see it the first weekend…

ELISHA: The thing is that I was kind of referring to that as a joke because every time someone on “24” says to me, “So when’s is your movie opening?” I’ll be like, “Oh Friday, but it’s only open for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday so you better go now!” You know? I’m just joking.

Q: Luke Greenfield mentioned that he was unhappy with how the film was being marketed. What is the target audience you’re looking for? How do you want to see this movie represented?

ELISHA: I have to agree with you. I had, actually, a conversation with Fox Marketing. I feel sorry for them because it’s such a hard film to market. How do you do one preview that caters to my mother’s generation and then how do you do another preview that caters to my sister’s generation – she’s four years younger than me – and then my generation. Do you make six different previews and hope the right people catch it? It’s hard because it caters to a wide spectrum of people. But you know what? I’m not worried about it. I think word of mouth will be enough. I think if a couple of people go to the theater and go, “You know what? This movie surprised me and I liked it.” Hopefully, they’ll go to their friends and say, “You know what? If you’re at the theater and you have a tough decision, this was a great film.”

Q: Have you been happy with the TV ads for the film?

ELISHA: I’ve been happy with them. It’s my first major feature film. I’m just happy if all you guys see it.

Q: What are some films out there right now that you want to see?

ELISHA: I’m curious to see the “External Sunshine…” yeah, whatever, that long titled film with Jim Carrey, who I think is awesome. I’m curious to see that, I haven’t seen that.

Q: Well what have you seen that may have offered you thoughts saying that you might want to go in that direction?

ELISHA: Focus Features has been doing some really cool movies. I think they’re taking chances on films that not every studio or company would probably take the risks on. I’m curious to see what they have next so I’ve kind of said, “Hey guys, whatever scripts these guys got coming, let me know.”

Q: Is the fact that you’re now staring in your own movie and on the cover of magazines overwhelming for you? Has it sunk in yet?

ELISHA: Yeah because it’s been a gradual progression towards all of these things that have happened in my life. I just take it one step at a time really. But I kind of look at it as work in a way, if that’s bad to say. I look at the MAXIM cover and don’t go, “Oh wow, I’m out there.” I look at it and say, “I did it for a certain reason.”

Q: Do people stop you on the street when they see you?

ELISHA: Oh they’re like, “Kiiiim!” And I’m like, “What?” I actually respond and that’s the scary thing.

Q: What’s that like when you get recognized on the street?

ELISHA: Well it’s not like I’m Madonna so I don’t have to go to a restaurant and be gated up and subject to a different section of the room. I have a normal life. I think it’s how you treat it. If you let it bother you or ruin your life, then it will. I love it when fans come up and think the show is great because I sometimes forget that it’s on TV. I’m so sheltered on stage and in the studio where all I worry about is the scene we’re shooting and how to do it the best way we know how and it goes away somewhere and the editing happens and then all of a sudden, it gets on TV and I don’t realize it until later.

Q: Are there any TV shows that you’re following right now?

ELISHA: “The Sopranos” is really great this year. I haven’t caught that new one though, the one that Timothy [Olyphant]’s in, I haven’t seen it yet. I TiVo’d it. I don’t know what it’s even about. Cowboys swear or a lot or something?

Q: What are the other projects you’re working on, or you can tell us about?

ELISHA: “House of Wax” which I’m doing in Australia and hopefully another season of 24. We’re just in the process of reading scripts and what scheduling can allow me to do and not do. This horror film is going to take up my hiatus so as soon as I wrap, I’m going to be back shooting 24 if it comes back. It’s hard. Everything kind of happens last minute for me because scheduling wise.

Q: Are there any directors of films you’ve seen that you’ve really wanted to work with?

ELISHA: Oh yeah. Fincher, you know, Burton, Spielberg. Scorsese. Coppola.

Q: When you were little, was there anything you saw that made you want to act?

ELISHA: It was an experience actually. I was never big on movies and TV and film. To me, that was something that just existed in the living room and never knew there was a process. I was young and didn’t understand that there was a system. Anyway, I got a chance to go on an actual filming set of a children’s show called “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” a long time ago in Canada. I was an extra just as a favor. I was 10 and went, “This is like Disneyland! I want the director to come over to me, and talk to me, and tell me what to do.” I just felt this urge to be involved in this called making TV and movies. I don’t care what it is, I want to have dialogue and went from there.

Q: Do you see yourself directing someday?

ELISHA: Yeah, definitely.




Q: Are you shooting “House of Wax” yet?

ELISHA: No, I’m shooting in less than 30 days. I’ll be on a flight to Australia.

Q: Who are the other principal actors in “House of Wax” and the director?

ELISHA: Our director is Jaume Serra, he’s a mostly commercial director. He’s worked with Brad Pitt and has done a bunch of cool Japanese commercials. He’s cool, really dark. I’m actually playing a twin with Chad Michael Murray. He’s on a show called “One Tree Hill” so we will be playing brother and sister. Paris Hilton has a small role in the film so it will be cool to see that.

Q: Have you seen the original “House of Wax”?

ELISHA: Yeah. It’s in 3-D though so I didn’t ever obviously see that.

Q: Have you seen other horror films to prepare for this?

ELISHA: Not yet. My head is kind of wrapped around this coming out and the last two episodes of “24.” As soon as they wrap, I’ll probably be kind of prepping myself with what I’m going to be doing with this one.

Q: Do you think you’ll ever do theater?

ELISHA: Yeah, you know, I’m interested in it. It’s a different style. It’s a whole different form of acting. Right now, I’m just really focused on the film and stuff, but yeah I’d love to. It’s a long process though because it’s live and it’s obviously a grueling schedule and it takes up a lot of time, which I don’t have because of the show. Maybe eventually.

Q: Do you think though there is a risk when you’re on MAXIM and FHM that you might be labeled as the “hot babe” instead of being a good actress?

ELISHA: I think that works though for this film, for me. And in the next film, it will be completely different and I probably won’t be on the cover of MAXIM cause it won’t be necessary. Or maybe Joel Silver will say, “We need this,” and that’s when I step in and say yes or no. I think the movies will speak for themselves. That’s what I’m hoping. I want to base my career on being an actor and not a celebrity. I want to make movies that people are going to enjoy and I can look back and look at the DVD rack and go, “I made some damn good movies.”

Q: What superpower would you want to have?

ELISHA: I don’t know. Hmm...read minds?

Lovely young Elisha Cuthbert!