Interview: Catalina Sandino Moreno and Wilmer Valderrama

November 16, 2006 | Posted by Mia | No comment

Category: 2006

from MoviePictureFilm.Com / by Critic

Two of the most hot young actors sat down with Scott to talk about “Fast Food Nation” based on the nonfiction book that now is a movie with non fictional elements, Directed by Richard Linklater. The film is controversial as it exposes the fast food industry and the huge companies that own them. We discussed the controversy with the stars and even brought up the “C.H.I.P.S.” movie with Wilmer.

Read on.

MPF: So before we start, let me ask you about this supposed remake of the “C.H.I.P.S.” TV series, is it happening and is Chris Evans really going to star along with you?

Wilmer: Chris Evans is actually not attached to it, it was just one of those rumors that started out, kind of weird, you know? But look, he’d be a great choice. He’s one of my really close friends and I’m a really huge fan of his. He’s one of the few guys who can deliver a straight scene and still be funny at the same time and that’s what this movie needs. so we’re looking into sometime next year. I have one or two projects I have to finish before I start doing “C.H.I.P.S.” but that’s in the works.

MPF: Have you chosen anyone to be John?

Wilmer: No, you know right now we’re just concentrating on working with directors, letting the physicality of the studios working their stuff out.

MPF: Are you producing the film?

Wilmer: Well, I guess you can say silently I am, I am producing. It’s kind of hard to get a credit on a movie like that, you know what I mean? But it’s exciting because the studio is definitely keeping me in mind for a lot of the creative and a lot of the casting and stuff.

MPF: Last “C.H.I.P.S” question we swear, anyone in mind to direct?

Wilmer: You know there’s a bunch of really new guys, we are looking for a bunch of really young new guys who really just want to re-create what made the show so good because this is the type of movie you can do all types of things with. You know what’s neat about this? That there is a lot of role models to follow, if you know what I mean. Remakes that kind of missed the point of remaking a show. With this one you don’t want to make it super, super serious but at the same time you don’t want to make fun of it, there are fans around the world that think this is still a serious drama. We want to have some really fun action stuff but at the same time play with the reality of how outrageous some of these action scenes could be.

MPF: So moving on to “Fast Food Nation”, what made you want to take on this role? It’s an extremely different one for you.

Wilmer: Well first I found out about the book. A lot of my friends who attend college, it’s practically become mandatory for kids in college to read this book and then I read that there was a movie that was getting made. I have to admit I knew the themes and I’m not a really big fast food eater. I hadn’t read the book yet. I read it after I read the script and I have to say when I read the script it was such a non-Hollywood movie and it doesn’t work by the theoretical hand book that a lot of Hollywood movies work with today and I really really found that refreshing. When I read the script, the role of Raul was the only one I sort of related to. I’m an immigrant myself but at the same time it’s a movie that touches on a lot of issues. It’s one of those very exciting projects to be involving with and obviously I did everything against everything to be apart of this movie and convince Richard Linklater (the director) that I was good enough for this role. No one has ever seen me do anything like this before so it was a great challenge that I am very proud of accomplishing.

MPF: Is there anything you want audiences to walk away with from this film?

Wilmer: Yes, a lot of information. This is one of those very factual movies. In no way shape or form do we like to call ourselves activists, we’re not trying to preach saying “this is right, this is wrong”, we’re just trying to do it in a way that makes people aware of what’s out there. With me, the biggest message of this movie is to walk away with a lot of information and then to trust your own instincts, make an educated decision of what is good and what is bad for you because of none of this movie is fake. There is a lot to think about.

MPF: What was it like working with Catalina?

Wilmer: We first met and this was very funny. She kind of looked at me and said “Who is this kid?” and I looked at her and said “I am a huge fan of yours, you’ve done great” and she goes “Ok, ok”. We had a lot of time to break down our characters break down our history. We discussed what our characters backgrounds were, how we know each other, within our conversations we came about this decision to really go into how our characters met. This was great because I love acting and I love creating different characters and breaking them down. I think that’s one of the reasons it was so cool to work hand in hand with her because we were so into this movie. We really wanted this movie to be good. Our storyline is not only a humble beginning for a change but it deals controversial issues and immigration so it’s a big deal for us. We liked working with each other and hope to work with each other again. But I don’t want to speak for her. (laughs, then precedes to imitate what she would say) “He’s full of shit! (laughs again)

At this point Catalina walks in the room.

Wilmer: Hi.

He smiles at her and she smiles back.

Catalina: Hi, sorry there was car problem. It wasn’t my fault, I was ready on time.

Wilmer (to Catalina): So I spoke for you and said we can’t wait to work with each other again.

She laughs, then puts her finger on her chin and pretends to think about it, making a cute a “mmmmm” sound.

MPF: Catalina, you’ve done all dramatic work. Ever think about doing a comedy? Wilmer is familiar with comedy, did you speak to him about it?

Wilmer laughs.

Catalina: I’d love to do a comedy but I want to do one like “The Office”, you know that kind of comedy. I’ve been researching a few but nothing as of yet.

MPF: How did you come about starring in this movie?

Catalina: It was very early on, like when they were writing the script. Then I read the book and I needed to meet Richard because I didn’t know it was real. Then I met Eric (the writer of the book) and it was real. I think it was important for me to do this film. I wanted to follow up Maria (”Maria Full Of Grace”) with a strong film and I did. I think this movie covers a lot of issues that people should be aware of. I think it’s so nice when people go to the movies and think. They can go to the movies and be entertained but still learn a great combination. This is what is in this movie.

Final Impressions:
Wilmer and Catalina where both extremely down to earth and intelligent people. Wilmer surprised me with his enthusiasm to do more dramatic work and in this movie he showcases that. Catalina is already an established dramatic actress but I bet she would make a killing at doing a comedy.

“Fast Food Nation” opens limited tomorrow in NY and LA.