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She's smart, sexy, sweet and manages to keep
the love of the hunky guy in such films as Varsity Blues,
Outside Providence and Road Trip, as well as her memorable
recurring character on the WB's Felicity. Considered one
of the up-and-coming "sophomores" in Vanity Fair's yearly
Hollywood issue, she's certainly a rising star in the world of quirky
comedies.
But she throws all caution and sweetness
to the wind in the outrageous comedy Rat Race. Smart plays
Tracy, a woman who joins the race with an uptight laywer (Breckin
Meyer) to go after $2 million. Yet, she's a woman scorned--a woman
who is handy with a helicopter and who knows how to use it as a
weapon of destruction, as well as do anything it takes to get the
$2 million.
Hollywood.com caught up with Smart
to talk to her about her new movie, what is was like working with
the multi-talented cast and most importantly, what she would do
for $2 million.
Looks like you guys had a blast
making this movie...
Amy Smart: There was such a
loving energy on the set--most of the time. Jerry Zucker just set
a great tone for the movie. And working with all these amazing actors...they
weren't out to prove anything but just have fun and do what they
do best. So, I felt challenged to step up my performance and do
my best. And I trusted Jerry to bring out the best in me and be
happy with the takes we had.
Have you seen It's a Mad, Mad,
Mad, Mad World?
Smart: Yeah, I have. I think
[Rat Race] is similar in format and style, but I find [our
movie] much funnier.
How was it working with Breckin
again? [the two starred in last year's Road Trip]?
Smart: It was so fun working
with him again because you don't have to go through that time of
getting to know each other and feeling comfortable. Just popping
into a different movie with different characters and circumstances.
You seem to be making a name for
yourself in quirky comedies. How would you compare this one to the
others?
Smart: This was the first movie
with really seasoned comedians. It's not a teen comedy. It has Mr.
Bean, Rowan Atkinson. John Cleese, who is such a classic comedian.
Jon Lovitz, Cuba Gooding Jr., getting to see him do something different,
which was exciting to watch. And my favorite, Whoopi Goldberg. I
always loved her work and have always found her to be one of the
funniest women alive. So working with her was such a blessing.
Coming from a wacky comedy, what's
the craziest thing that happened on the set?
Smart: It's hard to name one.
Well, for me, during the helicopter, Breckin had really never seen
that side of me before. I literally creeped him out. [Starting to
crack up] Watching his true-life reaction was so funny to me. It
was hard for me to keep a straight face.
Yes, the maniacal contortions of
your face in that scene would be scary to anyone, but coming from
the usually sweet nature you have on-screen...
Smart: It was like, "Whoa,
lady!"
Ever thought about doing a serious
drama?
Smart: I would love to do one.
I just sort of take as it comes, and I'm pretty selective. I want
to have a good reason for everything I take. And it just so happens
that I have two comedies back to back.
O.K., if you weren't already making
the big bucks acting, what would you do for $2 million?
Smart: I was just asked that
question on CNN's Headline News, and I said I'd skydive naked.
Sure, for $2 million...
Smart: Seriously, for me, I'm
a real environmentalist and I volunteer a lot when I'm not working.
So, if I were to get $2 million, I would probably want to donate
that.
By Kit Bowen, Hollywood.com Staff |
