The Observer, January 26, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 14
Star of Blood and Chocolate discusses her werewolf fetish
Blood and Chocolate boasts some interesting subplots behind its overtly sexy veneer. This supernatural thriller is the second American film by German director Katja von Garnier, with a plot based on an award-winning novel, and produced by the producers of the underground hit Underworld. But possibly the most interesting thing behind Blood and Chocolate is its leading lady, a young actress who could be getting her breakthrough role at the ripe old age of 21. That actress is Agnes Bruckner, a relatively unknown who is most famous for her startling performance as Megan in the critically acclaimed indie film Blue Car. Yet, when I sat down to talk with the actress about her upcoming role in Blood and Chocolate, Bruckner revealed a much more laid-back and nonchalant personality more suited to goofing off on the beach with friends than becoming a Hollywood mega star.
Of her childhood, Bruckner said, "I grew up in Hollywood. I started dancing at five and was in dance class everyday until 10. My mom decided to put me into acting class at 11, but I didn't really want to do it. Being in Blue Car finally opened my eyes to doing film for myself, not just doing stuff that my mom wanted." Bruckner has certainly had her share of viable roles, including a recurring role in the third season of 24 as well as appearances in Murder by Numbers with Ryan Gosling, Law & Order, and Alias with Jennifer Garner. Yet starring in Blood and Chocolate is not only a great career opportunity, but also the realization of a secret fetish for the dirty blonde bombshell. "I absolutely love werewolves and vampires. In this movie especially, the werewolves are not just portrayed as monsters, even though they are scary as hell, but that they do love and have feelings and such," Bruckner said.
When further pressed about her third horror movie selection, she explained, "I was a huge fan of horror growing up. There was no rule about getting nightmares, so me and my brother got Chucky, Jason, Freddy Krueger, all of them." Bruckner's interest may pay off, as rumors are swirling around Hollywood that she is shock-director Rob Zombie's choice to play Laurie Strode in a Halloween remake.
Her character in Blood and Chocolate is Vivian, a werewolf who is part of a pack that will do whatever necessary to keep their identities secret. What Vivian doesn't expect is to fall for an American man who comes into her chocolate shop. Bruckner explained the curious title of the movie, saying, "the blood in the title is definitely the werewolf, vicious side of Vivian, whereas I see the chocolate part as her human or female side. She's sweet." Fans of the book may be disappointed in the film; the 1998 YALSA Best Book for Young Adults Award winner is definitely just a springboard for the film, at best. Bruckner brushed aside the creative liberties taken by the production, saying, "the director definitely wanted to make the movie different. Things are going to be changed as always." She also made it clear that she did not read the book in preparation for her role as Vivian.
Independent of the interesting leading lady, the film Blood and Chocolate appears to be an attempt by MGM Studios to make a quick buck and appeal to teenagers. Coupled with a mild PG-13 rating and a dark gritty look to make high school couples cuddle a little closer in the theaters, Blood and Chocolate is clearly not a film about deep emotions.
The film was shot in Bucharest, Romania in a very brief three and a half months, taking advantage of the heavy forestry as well as live wolves native to the lands.
During the interview, Bruckner mentioned her appreciation for the animals, saying, "the wolves were pretty cool. During breaks in filming we would go over and try to observe how they ate, moved, just get a feel for how they carried themselves. I am part Hungarian, so I am pretty wild myself." The film certainly was a physical burden, as the actors and actresses participated in the latest craze in London for three weeks to get fit: free-running. "You probably have seen it on YouTube: all those guys just jumping from building to building. It was three weeks of werewolf boot camp. We did that and a bunch of fake punching and harness work. By the end of it I was definitely in the best shape of my life." Bruckner also mentioned that Blood and Chocolate is a perfect date movie, even for college students, and that Hugh Dancy, her British co-star, is "a pretty hot guy." Though she didn't go into People magazine-worthy details, she mentioned that the two "didn't have much trouble with chemistry."
As far as her future career plans, Bruckner just finished filming a psychological thriller called The Last Resort, a directorial debut for the producer of the American Pie movies. But Bruckner hopes to get past the thriller genre, saying "I have been doing a lot of screaming, crying, and being bloody in my movies. Hopefully I can get into some comedy. That would definitely be nice."
As far as her role in Halloween? Mum's the word. Regardless, keep tabs on Agnes Bruckner: she is definitely is a young star on the rise. Blood and Chocolate seems to be a stepping stone for this Hollywood girl.
Blood and Chocolate opens nationwide Jan. 26; for more information, visit www.mgm.com/bloodandchocolate.
