Racing cert

9:59am Saturday 10th May 2008

ACTRESS Christina Ricci takes her responsibilities as a role model seriously. Even playing the heros girlfriend in one of the summers blockbuster movies, Speed Racer, has something positive to say to audiences.

Shes moved from child actor C making her debut in Mermaids in the company of Cher and Winona Ryder C to adult leading lady in films like The Ice Storm, The Opposite Of Sex, Sleepy Hollow and Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas. Although she probably remains best known for her portrayal of terrible teen Wednesday in two Addams Family movies.

I was very happy to provide a role model for young girls thats pretty positive and can have a good influence, she says of Trixie in Speed Racer.

What she shows is that a little girl watching might go I can be whatever I want to be and no one is judging me for it C meaning that she can be as girlie as she wants, she can love clothes, but no one is going to look twice if she wants to fly a helicopter, race a car or change a tyre. No ones going to go oh, what are you doing, youre a girl?.

Its important because surveys have proven that girls are much more sensitive to social reaction. They do something and if the reaction is not positive or in any way implies a judgment, the girl will generally not do it again.

Trixie not only supports her boyfriend, Speed Racer, in his racing ambitions, but also gets behind the wheel during a grand prix.

Riccis greatest skill is that she can put lipstick on and make a left hand turn at the same time.

Wholesome Trixie is the opposite of the bad girls shes played in the past, although she doesnt have that view because she doesnt go in for labels like bad or nice.

In playing troubled women, her interest is showing the dysfunction and trauma that causes such behaviour. I have a real interest in human beings and watch a lot of documentaries about different types of people and read a lot of books with psychological case studies. And I love true crime, she says.

Away from acting, Ricci serves as national spokesperson for the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN).

Despite her thoughtful answers, Ricci maintains shes not an analytical, intellectual actress. But she has made the transition from child star to adult performer with an ease that many youngsters dont. With 20 years experience behind her, shes better equipped than others her age to deal with the movie business.

IVE met a lot of people my age whove just become well-known or havent been acting for very long and a lot of things bother them more than they bother me. I meet people who say you seem so comfortable on a set, you really know what youre doing and are so good at standing up for yourself.

And I say that Ive been on a set since I was a kid and know the rules pretty well.

Her relationship with the paparazi is coloured by this. They dont have much interest in her, she feels. I dont really do anything that exciting. Sometimes they come with me when I do my errands, but how many times can they watch me go to the pharmacy and the gas station?, she explains.

Im kind of a home body. My favourite thing is ordering in Thai food and watching television with my dogs on the couch.

My whole thing is that you might as well look on the bright side. No ones going to attack you or try to mug you. You have 20 people around you all the time.

They help me park my car sometimes ROLE MODEL: Christina Ricci says her role as Trixie, the heros girlfriend, in the film, Speed Racer, has a positive message for girls MAJESTIC: The Siberian crane when Ive had trouble getting into a tight spot.

They might be doing a job you dont have a lot of respect for, but you can have respect for the people and treat them fairly and kindly.

When you do that, they have respect for you and treat you better.

ö Speed Racer (PG) is now showing in cinemas. Addams Family Values is on Film4 on Tuesday at 7.20pm.

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