Theron doesn't Sleepwalk through difficult role
Academy Award winner Charlize Theron speaks to The Beacon about her new film and cinematic camaraderie
Michele Sotallaro
Issue date: 3/6/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment
Charlize Theron throws herself into a small banquet room in the Charles Hotel in Cambridge. "Sorry, that's why I pay my publicist the big bucks to point me in the right direction," she announced to the roundtable of reporters with embarrassment. Theron's quick jump into the room mirrors her approach to her craft: "You just have to push yourself over that cliff."
Theron's latest dive, Sleepwalking, is her second attempt at producing and starring in an independent film after Monster, for which she won an Oscar. Theron's character, however, isn't the center of her new film.
Sleepwalking is a drama about the familial bond between a 30-year-old man and his niece after his older sister abandons them because of her fear of responsibility.
The film's direction by William Maher-who is more known for his visual effects in films like X-Men and Mars Attacks-draws raw performances from his actors, and Juan Ruiz Anchia provides captivating cinematography that effectively lingers on close-ups. Unfortuantely, Maher undersells the depth Zac Stanford's screenplay.
Based on memories from his past, Stanford's story begins with the flawed and irresponsible mother, Joleen Reedy, yelling at a local cop about her woes as a single mother. She's just been evicted from the house she and her daughter Tara (AnnaSophia Robb) were sharing with her criminal ex-boyfriend.
Frustrated with yet another crisis, Joleen imposes upon her brother James (Nick Stahl) in order to have a place to stay during the interim. Unfortunately, James and Tara don't realize that Joleen has plans of her own.
"Some women aren't good mothers because they haven't dealt with their shit; Joleen is that person," Theron said about her character's choice to leave behind her brother and daughter. "I believe women are conflicted. You're either the great nurturer or the prostitute-well that's not who we are. We are real people. We have flaws, and we fuck up."
Theron also mentions she faced similar problems with the role of Aileen Wuornos in Monster.
Theron's latest dive, Sleepwalking, is her second attempt at producing and starring in an independent film after Monster, for which she won an Oscar. Theron's character, however, isn't the center of her new film.
Sleepwalking is a drama about the familial bond between a 30-year-old man and his niece after his older sister abandons them because of her fear of responsibility.
The film's direction by William Maher-who is more known for his visual effects in films like X-Men and Mars Attacks-draws raw performances from his actors, and Juan Ruiz Anchia provides captivating cinematography that effectively lingers on close-ups. Unfortuantely, Maher undersells the depth Zac Stanford's screenplay.
Based on memories from his past, Stanford's story begins with the flawed and irresponsible mother, Joleen Reedy, yelling at a local cop about her woes as a single mother. She's just been evicted from the house she and her daughter Tara (AnnaSophia Robb) were sharing with her criminal ex-boyfriend.
Frustrated with yet another crisis, Joleen imposes upon her brother James (Nick Stahl) in order to have a place to stay during the interim. Unfortunately, James and Tara don't realize that Joleen has plans of her own.
"Some women aren't good mothers because they haven't dealt with their shit; Joleen is that person," Theron said about her character's choice to leave behind her brother and daughter. "I believe women are conflicted. You're either the great nurturer or the prostitute-well that's not who we are. We are real people. We have flaws, and we fuck up."
Theron also mentions she faced similar problems with the role of Aileen Wuornos in Monster.
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