Sunday, October 28, 2007

Sidney Lumet on Marisa Tomei

From an interview in Time Out New York to promote Before the Devil Knows You're Dead:
First of all, Marisa arrives full-blown from the head of Zeus; she’s ready to work. Totally. She’s so secure she’s able to help with the others.

Like with the opening sex scene with Philip. I rarely use sex as a big dramatic device. Here I thought it was critical because you have to understand right away that this is what drives him. But I don’t think Philip has ever conceived of himself in the nude fucking onscreen. It’s just not something that comes his way. So when we started blocking, Marisa hopped up on the bed, got on her hands and knees, slapped her ass and said, “Come on Philly, let’s go!” I could kiss her. Because if Philip had any inhibitions, they were gone.
I've been thinking about her performance as "Gina" a lot since I saw the film and I'm anxious to hear your opinions once you see it. (related post on Marisa in BTDKYD)