Not surprising, since she’s named after a Hotel (the Mena Hotel at the base of the pyramids in Egypt) Mena Suvari’s career has reached towering levels in recent years. From commercials to modelling to acting, she’s had her fingers in quite a few holes since a young age, but only earning a place on the map recently, thanks to her roles in such films as American Pie, and the Oscar Winning “American Beauty”, which she won a SAG award for outstanding performance by a cast, and received a BAFTA award nomination.

In this Exclusive Chat, CLINT MORRIS talks to Suvari talks about her latest film, “Beauty Shop”, and reflects on just how much those earlier films helped carve her career.

Mena, what appealed to you about doing “Beauty Shop”?
Well, I had been a huge fan of both of the Barbershop films and was excited to hear that they were finally doing a female-oriented version. The cast was so great, and I loved that I would able to play such a wacky, overtop kind of character. It sounded like a lot of fun! I had done ensemble films before, but never with this many women. What I love, is that every kind if woman is represented. I had a blast working with all if these diverse women and became good friends with them.

Are you a regular at a Beauty Shop yourself?
I have been going to the same woman here in LA for about 7 years. She has done me every colour that I have been. She is one of my close friends and we talk about everything. That really is the case in any beauty salon - when woman are together, conversation begins!

Did any of the cast actually have to learn how to give a haircut or shampoo for real?
Well, there was a beauty bootcamp that was really just for the actresses who were going to be portraying stylists. They had to learn basics like: how to put on a smock properly, how to hold the instruments, for instance the curling iron, flat iron, and how to work certain hairstyles. I didn’t attend, because my character Joanne was just a client.

Samuel L.Jackson has been pretty vocal about his distaste for having rappers in the movies. What’s your take on that, after having now worked with the divine Queen Latifah?
You know there are so many people that have something to contribute. Talent has many different faces. Working with Queen Latifah was wonderful. She is such an amazing, strong woman. She is a role model for many women. She was funny on the set and always kept the environment light and fun. I was impressed with them having music playing on the set in between takes. Everyone was dancing and interacting with one another in such a relaxed fashion. It was very refreshing!

Do you find it easier to score roles, such as this one, because of the success you had with “American Beauty”?
You know, things have definitely changed since I worked on American Beauty. I think that it changes for most people who stay in the business for a long time, but, you know, everyone - directors, producers - has their own way of working. I can’t say that everything I’ve worked on since American Beauty has been an offer. It’s just never like that. I don’t think for anybody.

You’ve been travelling with your husband around the country as he’s promoting his film, an independent movie called “Stephen Toblowsky’s Birthday Party”. How’s that been?
I have had such a great time touring around with the boys. I love the film and I love Stephen (Tobolowsky, the star). They did such an amazing job on the movie and people really like it. It was a great experience for me to travel to these cities that I hadn’t been to. We had a wonderful time!

How do you pick your movies? Is there any particular genre you rather work in?
You know, it’s really just about the material. I always want to challenge myself and work on projects with characters that I have never played before. I never want to do the same thing. I always want to move forward.

Talking of which, the “American Pie” films. You did two of those.
I really enjoyed working on the American Pie films. It was a very fun time for me, especially to be able to work with so many young, talented actors and great Directors.

Later this year, you’ll be seen in a hot new action movie called “Domino”, which Tony Scott has directed. How was that?
Domino was a great movie to work on. Tony Scott is one of the best directors that I have worked with. He is so passionate about what he does and adds so much energy and inspiration to the set environment.

BEAUTY SHOP Commences Thursday around Australia
From Moviehole.net