| 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.
|