Actress Kristen Wiig shares her adventures of coming to India for three months, her experience in Iceland and her interesting role in The Secret life of Walter Mitty
The role is a little different from the comic performances you are known for; how interesting was this film for youIJ
I do think it is different. I have done two or three more dramatic roles in films this year that haven’t released yet and this one is the first of those that people will see. It was actually a little nerve-wrecking to do something different from what I am accustomed to. I think comedy and drama are both hard. But when people know you for something —with me it’s comedy — you do feel a little bit more comfortable in that arena. But I was really excited and honored that Ben (co-actor/director) thought of me for the role.
Any favourite scenesIJ
I loved doing the fantasy sequences. In one of Walter’s fantasies, he runs into a burning building and saves my three-legged dog. I’d never been in a scene like that before, involving big explosions and fire.
What is the story all aboutIJ
It is a great story and I think it is an interesting way to encourage people to take risks in their lives and to travel to their heart’s content. The film addresses the fact that we’re in this completely technological age and are so connected to our phones and email. It examines what that does to people. Ben’s character, Walter Mitty, puts all that away and travels across the world and I think that will be inspiring to a lot of people. There are some people I’ve heard of who have seen the movie and have thought ‘Oh my gosh, I want to throw my phone away and book that plane ticket to the place I’ve always wanted to go to.’ That’s really exciting and I think this is a movie that makes sense right now.
When you were younger you actually went off on an adventure yourself. Was that life-changingIJ
I did. There is something really freeing about having a backpack and everything that you need in it to survive and going out to see new places and travelling. It is exciting to do it by yourself. For me, travelling by myself was difficult because it used to get lonely at times. But just like in the movie, you meet amazing people. I did it at a time in my life when I was a lot younger. I was in my 20s and yes it was very life-changing.
Where did you goIJ
I went to India for three months and travelled around. I was up North in Dharamshala, a Tibetan village and I did some volunteer work. I just needed to get out of my everyday life for a little while and explore other things and think about what I wanted to do with my life — all the sort of stuff you think about in your early 20s I guess. I scared my parents, no doubt. They were nervous for about three months and I feel bad about that.
Share with us your experience of travelling to Iceland for the movie.
It is such a beautiful place. I remember when I told people I was going there, everyone I know who had been there would say: ‘Oh my gosh, it’s unbelievable — the weather, the landscape, the people’. It really is like another world. I wasn’t there when they filmed the scenic shots. I was mostly in the little town where we shot the bar scene and I was in Reykjavik for a little while but I would love to go back there.
What kind of camaraderie did you share during the shootIJ
It was a very ambitious film and we all had to get together and deal with the harsh weather conditions and stay positive. We were travelling in a foreign country and I guess that is a reason why everyone got very close. It still feels that way now. I feel that this is a bond we will share for life.
Martin luther King Jr and John lennon are visible on the magazine covers in the movie. What impact do they have on WalterIJ
Both of these people are heroes, who took risks in their lives and are admired by all. John lennon, Martin luther King Jr and images of other icons that audience will see in the movie are giving a subconscious message to Walter saying: ‘Just pack your bags and do it. Go.’
Did you always want to become an actorIJ
I used to perform in front of the mirror but I never really did a lot of plays. I was too nervous and shy. People who knew me very well thought I was funny — silly is probably a better word. I laughed a lot and didn’t start acting at a young age at all. It was something that I got into later in life but I think secretly it was something that I’d always wanted to do.
What are your dreams and goalsIJ
I would love to direct a film that I write. In fact, I’m working on something right now and Annie (Mumolo) and I would love to do another comedy soon. I think directing is probably my biggest dream right now. I can’t wait to do that.
What do you think audiences can look forward to in The life of Walter MittyIJ
People are going to be blown away to see Ben as a director. You will see a side of Ben that you’ve never seen before. The film is beautiful. It is visually stunning, the script is great, the characters are moving and people will be able to relate to it. It’s a feel good movie but it’s also an adventure — it has action, has funny moments and is a very moving film. You will feel really good when it’s over. That is something I really love when I watch a movie: walking out of the theater and wanting to run down the street, feeling happy to be alive. Walter Mitty is one of those kind of movies.
The TV premiere of the film is on November 30 on Star Movies