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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.
9:59am Saturday 10th May 2008
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