Related Sections: Interviews Movies News
Avatar's Michelle Rodriguez loves James Cameron, and f--k you if you don't
Michelle Rodriguez, who co-stars in James Cameron's secretive sci-fi film Avatar, told a group of reporters that the breadth of Cameron's direction was exhausting. "He thinks in 12 dimensions at all times, and that's what I love about him," Rodriguez said in a group interview on Friday in Hollywood, where she was promoting Fast & Furious.
Avatar combines new motion capture, animation and three-dimensional filming technology. Cameron has screened footage for select audiences in the 3-D industry.
The following Q&A features edited excerpts of our interview with the outspoken Rodriguez. Avatar is due in theaters Dec. 18, 2009.
What kind of character do you play in Avatar?
Rodriguez: I'm basically a pilot, a pilot in another planet.
How did you hook up with James Cameron?
Rodriguez: James saw me in Girlfight. It's that movie. It's the only movie I was ever a lead in, and I guess I did a good job, because people watched it and liked it.
What sort of direction does Cameron give you?
Rodriguez: Are you f--king kidding me? That guy is so amazing. You could sit there and you could talk for hours about the advancements in molecular science, or you could sit there and you can talk about mythology and story building, character building. You could talk about cameras, the history of film, history of Russia. You could talk about flying to another planet, you could talk about space research. You could talk about underwater adventures. You could talk about how he constructed special technology for underwater adventures. Or you could sit there and talk to him about how he developed his own fricking cameras with his brother. I mean, like, this guy is a genius.
How does the footage look?
Rodriguez: It's f--king amazing. It's hardcore. I can't even imagine anything bigger. This is the beauty of working with that technology. You just go there and you see what you're interacting with right there, because it's a mixture of live 3-D footage, the props on the set and the virtual world that he spent God knows how long creating.
How would you deal with the high expectations for this film?
Rodriguez: I don't give a rat's ass how people receive whatever we did. I am just incredibly honored to have been seen by him and for him to, like, keep me in mind for a project that he's had for the last, what, eight years? To call me up and say, "Hey, I want you to be a part of this," because everybody was talking so much smack about me [for a DUI arrest in Hawaii, where she was filming Lost], and it's so hard to get a job when all these people are talking s--t about you in the press, just because you're growing up. You know, I used to poop in my pants, too, and I learned how to use the bathroom eventually. People were so hard on me, so it's really important for me to have individuals that get it, that know, that can see in my eyes or see me on screen and know what I'm capable of and not be scared to hire me because of some commercial hoopla that people are saying. That was very important.
By vesta at 10:06 PM ON 03/13/09
It's great to hear a great actress, who also happens to be Latina!, is recognized by a phenomenal director. I admire Ms. Rodriguez's talent and that she is in touch with her maturity. I wish her all the best and look forward to seeing more of her on screen.
By CouchPotato at 1:05 AM ON 03/14/09
The ensemble Cameron has put together for this film has me genuinely excited to see what Michelle's contribution will be. Her personal life has overshadowed much of her onscreen work. Some people think this movie will be all spectacle and action, but, we know Cameron likes to inject a lot of human drama and emotion into his characters. This is Michelle's comeback year! A little bit of LOST, some fast cars in FAST AND THE FURIOUS 4, and soon, AVATAR!
By IsoTek at 1:10 AM ON 03/14/09
I'm kinda ambivalent about her. I used to really like her but her attitude kinda stinks. I understand she feels marked because of her DUI, but if she is saying that the act was her growing up then I think she needs to explore safer ways of maturing herself. Last time I looked learning to use the bathroom isn't illegal and didn't have the potential to get you or anyone near you killed. A DUI could and recognizing that after the fact is not really growing up, its developing common sense, most likely out of shame and infamy. That said I plan on seeing Avatar and I hope she does well in it.
By unchienne at 1:50 AM ON 03/14/09
I love Michelle as an actress, though I think her look and "feel" as an actress will always have her stereotyped in roles as a tough broad. However, I agree with another poster that she's just got a stank attitude. Real classy broad this one. Loved how she equated the press's unwillingness to forgive her DUI with her growth in potty training. Now that's a girl to take home to momma...if your momma's serving 8-12 in SingSing.
By doomseal at 4:01 AM ON 03/14/09
I love her work. I didn't see girlfight though. Several of the characters she's played remind me of Vasquez in Aliens. Am I alone in this. I have to wonder if James Cameron noticed that too.
By wacksiii at 5:24 AM ON 03/14/09
Just know that this woman is going to be in AVATAR makes me a bit wary of what this film is going to be like. I hope one day miss rodriguez will realize that shes not able to get much work because shes typecast due to the fact that shes just playing herself and guess what as a person shes not exactly someone most people want to associate with. Maybe shell grow up a bit more and learn not to drop the F-bomb every other word
By ldyheat at 6:19 AM ON 03/14/09
Does Michelle kiss her mother with that mouth? I can see professionalism in an interview has gone right over her head! Using profanity in every answer does not make you tough Michelle; it makes you look unintelligent and unprofessional. Keep things on the down low and maybe people would hire you more.
By Bobanort at 6:24 AM ON 03/14/09
I agree with Idyheat, but I'm sure the adult film industry would always take her since she's so great at talking dirty anyways.
By dutchdude at 10:20 AM ON 03/14/09
Michelle can kiss me any time with that mouth.
who frakking cares ;)
;)
By Someone Else at 12:10 PM ON 03/14/09
too bad for you dutchdude, she wouldn't kiss you. now if your name was dutchchick, she might. My best friend (a lesbian) has the serious hots for her, and loves to rub it in my face that she has a better chance with Rodriguez than we do.
By Keely Chow at 6:10 PM ON 03/14/09
Message to the FOX network: F---- you for not giving JC the same love that Michelle Rodriguez gave him!
By SciFine at 12:07 AM ON 03/15/09
Rodriguez isn't gay, she's bi. Or so I've heard around tound. Anyway what does that have to do with AVATAR? I can't wait to see this movie.
By Vichus Smith at 8:55 PM ON 03/15/09
I like that an actor is actually enthusiastic about something while giving an interview. Good for her!
People give her a lot of shit, but I'm totally OK with Rodriguez.
By Blix at 4:35 PM ON 03/18/09
Oh, come on, you had to laugh when she said, "I used to poop in my pants, too", that was pretty funny. I agree that people were hard on her for what so many other actors and actresses have gotten away with (I think she's the only one that actually got fired for it). She made a mistake. Everyone does, but a lot of people want her to keep paying for it. I admire an actress that tells it like it is and doesn't kiss anyone's butt.
By Mike McD at 4:56 PM ON 03/19/09
Michelle Rodriguez is your typical actress. I don't think I'd admire her as much if she were. She's rough around the edges, but I feel she's real. And she doesn't hold anything back! She has developed a certain persona that works well for her. I am anxious to see her in both FF4 and the Avator.
Visit mobile.syfy.com/wire on your mobile device.
Mike McD:
Michelle Rodriguez is your typical actress. I don't think I'd admire her as much if she were. She's rough around t...More »