http://www.menasuvarifan.com ============================================== 'SONY STYLE' PRESENTS A ONLINE CHAT WITH MENA SUVARI April 30 2000 - "Sony Style" presents actress, Mena Suvari, who discusses in an online interview, her hit films, "American Beauty", "American Pie", and "Loser". http://www.liveworld.com/transcripts/Sony/4-30-2000.1-1.html ============================================== Sony Style: Thank you for joining us. Our guest this evening is Mena Suvari - Star of "American Beauty" and "American Pie." Mena will be discussing her sudden role as a pop culture icon as well as her up coming film, "Loser," in theaters this summer. Welcome Mena! Mena Suvari: Hello. This all sounds very exciting and I'm very happy to be here talking to all of you. Jbucklin: Mena, what would you say has been your favorite role to date? Mena Suvari: I'm horrible with favorite questions. I tend to give equal credit to every role that I've played and I found something special in each role that I played. I took a separate experience away from each one, so there really wasn't one separate favorite from the others that I enjoyed playing. Basically, I had fun in all the roles that I played. Peter Venkman: Mena, what kind of music do you relax to after a day's shooting? Mena Suvari: I like a wide variety of music. Recently, I like to relax to Macy Grey, and I like Sade. EZGuest485: Since you're a big time actress now, is it hard for you to just be normal and go hang out in public with your friends? I think I would love it at first, but then it would probably get annoying after a while! Mena Suvari: No, it isn't annoying or troublesome or bothersome in any way. When I go out, I sometimes get people approaching me, but just to compliment me on "American Beauty" and to say that they loved the film. Basically, everyone that has approached me has been very positive and nice and I haven't gotten sick of it. It hasn't affected me in a wrong way or anything. Basically, I'm thankful for it, so it's all very nice. Mustardseed: When did you know that you wanted to be an actress, and who encouraged you to begin acting? Mena Suvari: When I lived in South Carolina, I was with a modeling agency. I went to a modeling convention and I signed with Wilhelmina and then I came out to LA when I was 15 with my parents. It was kind of something that happened very fast, and my parents were the ones that moved out here with me, so they were the ones who encouraged me and supported me. Ray Stantz: Mena is an unusual name - where does it originate? Mena Suvari: I was named after my godmother, who was born in the Mena House in Cairo, Egypt. It's a hotel at the base of the pyramid. It's British, not Egyptian. Summersun: What were you like growing up and in high school? Was your high school like the ones that are portrayed in some of your movies? Mena Suvari: Not at all. That's what I always say about "American Pie." I say that it gave me a high school experience because when I moved out to LA when I was 15, I didn't know anybody, so it was sort of hard for me. I wasn't a popular one. I didn't go to the prom. I wasn't a cheerleader. High school for me was more academic, so no, it wasn't like the movie. Sun-moon-stars: In your sony style interview, you said you almost decided to go to art school and that you like to paint abstract watercolors. Any plans to pursue your artistic side? Is there any type of subject matter that you really enjoy painting? Mena Suvari: I'm also using acrylics and I do that on the side. When I'm at home, relaxing, I paint here. Who knows that will come in the future, whether I do decide to go back to school or pursue an art career, but I do carry it on here as well, with my free-time painting. Doctor H: Hey Mena, what's your background (i.e. your nationality?) Also, do you dance salsa? Mena Suvari: I'm a horrible dancer, and I'm Estonian and Greek. I don't particularly know the salsa. Belvedere: You've worked with Jason Biggs before in "American Pie" - what's he like? Mena Suvari: Even though I was involved in the same movie as Jason Biggs in "American Pie," I didn't have any scenes with him one on one and I rarely got to know him then. I probably saw him every once in a while to say hello to him off of the set. Having the opportunity to work with Jason Biggs on "Loser" gave me that time to get to know him and build that relationship. He is so great. He is wonderful, funny, talented, organized, and just one of those people that you just get along with. I got to know him on "Loser." I didn't know him on "American Pie." Island-Hopper: Mena, is Jason Biggs anything like his character in "American Pie?" Mena Suvari: No. It was a character that he played. He is definitely a very sweet, charming, funny and talented individual. Fozzy: In Germany "American Pie" was a very famous film. Do you ever visit Germany? Mena Suvari: Yes, I do. My husband is from there. Peter Venkman: Mena, will you be returning for "American Pie 2 - Battenberg College? Mena Suvari: I will approach the subject when it comes up. So we will see. Mike3322: What kind of movies do you enjoy doing more, comedies like "American Pie" or more serious stuff like "American Beauty" Mena Suvari: I like a wide variety of movies. Like I said, I'm horrible with favorites. I like so many different styles and what I really like to portray in my work is that diversity. I like to challenge myself in roles that I haven't done before. So I like the comedy, but I also like the drama, romantic comedies, to a horror film to a period piece. I like variety. Doctor H: Would you say your true character is more in line with the 'good' girl from "American Pie," or the 'bad' girl from "American Beauty?" Mena Suvari: When I work on a movie, I try to bring some of myself into each role that I play. So there is part of me in Heather from "American Pie" and part of me from Angela in "American Beauty." Gigglegirl: Do you think there are similarities in the roles that you've recently appeared in - like "American Pie," "American Beauty" and "Sugar and Spice?" Mena Suvari: No, not really. I hope that people see that they are all different. They are all separate characters in separate situations. Spaceygirl: What was it like working with Kevin Spacey? Mena Suvari: It was a complete honor working with Kevin Spacey. He is brilliant and extremely talented. He was just so wonderful to work with. He made me feel very comfortable and I learned a lot from him. But just the same with Annette Bening, Chris Cooper, and Peter Gallagher. TJRinNM: Is Kevin Spacey as sincere and easy going as he appears on TV? Mena Suvari: Yes. Very much so. Gina: By the way, I really loved "American Beauty," the best film in years! Congrats for the whole cast! What was the atmosphere like during filming? Were the 'big actors' helpful to you young fellows? Mena Suvari: Absolutely. Like I said, Kevin Spacey made me feel very comfortable. They were very funny and easy going. Basically every day was fun for me. There was one day where I needed to go to the set to have pictures taken and when I arrived, they told me that they had been trying to reach me on my cell phone to tell me not to come in. I didn't care. I was just so happy to be there. I loved hanging out with Sam Mendes, our director, and Bruce Cohen, and Dan Jinks, our producers and Conrad Hall, so I just loved hanging out with them on the set and being with everybody. It was a very positive atmosphere and we did have a lot of fun. Cc498: Who has been your favorite co-star so far? Mena Suvari: Again, I'm horrible with favorites and each person that I worked with taught me something, in themselves. Each experience was different with each person and was special in itself. Gina: Were you comfortable with nudity in the movie or e.g. kissing Kevin, or did you consider it only a part of your role? Mena Suvari: I was comfortable with it and it was part of my role. Having the opportunity to work with such great people, knowing that it was going to be done in good taste, and having Conrad Hall and Sam Mendes meant I really wasn't too inhibited. Also, like I said, Kevin Spacey made me feel so comfortable that it wasn't too hard of a scene to do. And it was part of the character. It was an unveiling of who she really is. Dolphins-dream: Is there anyone you would love to work with but haven't been able to yet? Mena Suvari: Yes, so many! One recently - Russell Crowe. EZGuest485: So what is the next movie you're working on? Mena Suvari: I don't have anything set right now. "Loser" will be coming out July 21st. Winesnob: I know Amy Heckerling directs "Loser." Did you see "Clueless" or any of her other films? Did you like working with her? Mena Suvari: Yes, I had seen "Clueless" and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and I absolutely loved them. I loved working with her, as well. Garindan: Your role in "Loser" is different than other roles you've done. Can you tell me why? Mena Suvari: One thing that is different is that I am a step up school wise. I'm a college student. Obviously she is a different character. She goes through many different experiences in her life. One thing that was different that was good was that it was an opportunity to play the lead female role in a movie. Kellie: Everyone seems to have a different interpretation of what the rose petals in "American Beauty" signified. What do you think? Mena Suvari: I think that there can be three explanations. I think that with Annette's character, Carolyn, she has her roses, which are the "American Beauty" roses that we see throughout the film. My character Angela can also be seen as the "American Beauty," and also Ricky Fitts' character refers to Beauty throughout the film as well. There are several meanings. Epicurious: In "Loser," Greg Kinnear plays your boyfriend. What's he like? Mena Suvari: He is very talented as well. He is very very very funny. We had a blast on the set. We had a lot of fun. He was there with us for a few weeks and it was great. He is a very very wonderful actor. Mister T: Do you have a problem with people on the streets that see you as the character you played in "American Beauty," and not like you as an actor? Mena Suvari: I have never met anyone who has seen me as Angela from "American Beauty." Menagreatestfan: How do you choose roles you'll take? Mena Suvari: Well, I like to challenge myself. I like to find variety and diversity in the roles that I do. So just find something different from what I have played so far. Rayanne: What technology interests you? Any why? Mena Suvari: I absolutely love telescopes or anything along that line because I love the cosmos and astrology and things like that. Peter Venkman: Mena, do you have any plans to record a single? If so will you be working with your close friend DJ Twister? Mena Suvari: I have a close friend DJ Twister? If so, who is this individual? I do not know him. I honestly don't know who this person is. I never thought of recording a single so I don't have any plans but I haven't completely excluded it. So we'll see. But I'd also like to know who DJ Twister is or what his alias is! Suvari Lover: What does friendship mean to you Mena? Mena Suvari: Friendship means being honest, being faithful, loyal, and kind. Fan Br: Mena, your movies are a huge success here in Brazil. Are you planning to promote your movies in South America? Mena Suvari: I don't have any plans, but I don't know what will happen in the future. That sounds very great and I'm very thankful that the movies have done so well down there. Rosepetal: What are your favorite foods? Mena Suvari: I love sushi. I love Indian. I love some American food. I love French food. I love Thai food. And I like Indonesian and German food. I like Greek food. I like Mexican and Italian food. Basically, I'll eat anything! Ray Stantz: What's the strangest rumor you heard about yourself? Mena Suvari: Recently, that I have a friend named DJ Twister! This is interesting! Not that many because as I said, usually everyone has been really positive and nice, so I've been really lucky on that end. I haven't heard anything really negative. Smilezalthetme: How do you memorize your lines? Mena Suvari: Basically, I read them over and over and over again. I spend a couple of hours studying them and then sometimes, I will read them with another person. Phil: Have you ever been a Bond girl? Mena Suvari: No, I haven't. Smilezalthetme: Would you ever work in a horror film? Mena Suvari: I have. "The Rage - Carrie 2." Rent it! Suvari Lover: What kind of movie script would you reject? Mena Suvari: Maybe one that didn't appeal to me. Andie Diane Diane: How does your family feel about all the success you've been having? Mena Suvari: They are very very happy for me. They are very supportive. My parents collect everything. They are thrilled to death. They couldn't be happier. I'm the only girl. I have 3 older brothers, so they are very excited. Rick: Do you feel technology plays an important role in filmmaking, possibly too much? Mena Suvari: Of course I think it does, and I think that it's becoming more prominent lately. It's becoming more involved with movies, especially with horror films or futuristic films with effects. Sometimes it is scary because you think you don't need an actor; that nobody needs to be there because it can be done by a computer. It's interesting but it's frightening, yet we can only move forward. Bari Ellyn: Do you have any pets? If so, can they come to the movie sets with you? Mena Suvari: I have a pet. I have a 4-month old Ziggy! He is a black and white kitty and I got him from the set of "Loser" and he is a movie star. He has close ups, and he is 3 weeks old in the film. In the movie, there is an animal shelter in the script and there is supposed to be a mother cat who has kittens in the movie, so we had this mom come in and have 4 kittens. Amy Heckerling, the director, took the mother and the little daughter, and I took Ziggy, one of the boys. He was the runt and he is ever so spoiled now. I thought about taking a picture of him with me to the "Loser" premiere to show everybody. I don't know if he can come with me on the set, but I did definitely get him from the set. He's a movie star so you have to look for him in "Loser." He's the little kitten that gets saved. He's the hero kitty. He knows it too! I'm his agent (if anybody wants to know), if you are looking for a handsome 4-month old! Patterson57: Do you get lots of fan mail and autograph requests? How can fans out there get in contact with you? Mena Suvari: On the internet there are websites on me and the managers of the websites have put out my agency's address. When fans visit the website, they get that address and write to me through that, so I receive a lot of mail that way. On those websites, it says that if you want to write to Mena, this is her address, and it's my agency's address. Smilezalthetme: When you received your first big paycheck what did you do with it? Mena Suvari: Well, from "American Pie," I bought my first car. And that was very exciting. Peter Venkman: Mena, did you prefer "Ghostbusters", "Ghostbusters 2" or "The Real Ghostbusters" cartoon series? Mena Suvari: I really liked all of them but I'm a little bit partial to "Ghostbusters" the original, and the cartoon. I really liked Egon's hair in the cartoon and Slimer. Boogie: Do you enjoy travelling to promote your films? Which countries have you enjoyed? Mena Suvari: Yes, I do, I enjoy traveling to promote the films. I've just recently been given that opportunity to do so. For "American Beauty," I went to Canada, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, which I had never been to, and Florida, which was nice. Got to go to the BAFTAs, which is the British Academy of Film and Television Awards. I just recently went to that, which was nice. So far, that's it. I was working when they went elsewhere, like to the exotic locations. I've been to London. That's basically it. Kaz: How do you see the media in your own eyes Mena? Mena Suvari: I see that they are there and it's all part of what I do, and so I try not to let it affect me too strongly. Alex Dakoulas: How was it working with Emily Bergl in "The Rage - Carrie 2?" Mena Suvari: It was great working with her. I loved having the opportunity to work with her since it was her first film and so I was very proud of her. I admired that because it's a big step and she handled it very very well. So I just had a lot of fun working with her and everybody else on that film. It was a great cast. Sunshine Gurl: What is your character in the movie "Loser" like? Mena Suvari: My character's name is Dora Diamond and she is a struggling college student. She works as a waitress at a strip club and she is having an affair with her English professor. Dora's life is all about schedules. She is trying to balance traveling from home to school to work, to try and make enough money for tuition, and then trying to balance out visiting her 'boyfriend' and then traveling home. So it is all about schedule for Dora, and it's about trying to make it through and just make it by. Jedianakin1: Do you believe in life on other planets? Mena Suvari: Yes. I definitely believe that it would be too stupid if we were the only ones here. Because if you take a patch of that blackness that we see through the Hubble telescope millions of miles away, you see hundreds more galaxies that look like our own so I definitely believe it. There must be something else. Mander389: What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever done to impress ( or try to impress) you? Mena Suvari: It's never been weird. Orchid: Can you relate to your character in "Loser"? Mena Suvari: Yeah, I can in the way that I know what it's like to be all about schedule, trying to get your life together and be organized and try and survive. So I can relate, and I think what is so great about the film and Amy Heckerling is that a lot of other people will be able to relate too, because it is such a common situation. My character is just the same for Jason's character. Allen: When does "Loser" premier? Mena Suvari: It comes out July 21st. Marsh: Dear Mena, are you happy about your success in this career? Mena Suvari: I'm overjoyed and very very happy. Very thankful and very grateful. I'm just trying to enjoy all of this and have fun and continue working as hard. Kaz: Mena! I sincerely think you are such a gifted actress! Do have any simple advice for budding "wannabe" film stars (like myself)? Mena Suvari: Thank you. I do have some advice, but I believe you should take everything with a grain of salt. Everybody in this business is different, and everybody's success is going to be different. With me, I feel that I got extremely lucky even though I worked very hard. I am still trying to figure out why all of this has happened, but you should never let anybody tell you that you can't do something. You should be happy in what you do and in your work, and if you are passionate about something then you should go for it and not give up on that. I think with acting it is a lot about getting yourself out there, meeting people, and just persevering. There will be a lot of rejection, but just keep going. Don't give up. And I think one thing that might be good is to have something on the side. A lot of people are young, so if you are doing school, do something else that will work out if the acting doesn't, because it is very hard. It is very choosy. Sony Style: Thank you for spending time with us, Mena. Unfortunately, our time is almost up! Do you have any parting words for us? Mena Suvari: I had a great time. It was nice talking to you and I just hope that I was helpful in answering the questions. Sony Style: As the spotlight dims, tonight's chat comes to an end. We thank you, our great audience, and extend a very special Thank You to our guest- Mena Suvari.