The Crazies is unleashed onto cinemas this Friday (26th February 2010). To celebrate, EF brings you an exclusive interview with the cast and crew of this brilliant horror every day in the lead up to its release. Today we bring you the films two leading ladies, Radha Mitchell and Danielle Panabaker.
Radha Mitchell (Judy Dutten)
What was your first reaction after reading the script?
I really liked the idea of a couple going through this horrific and terrible thing together, the fact that they are pregnant, co-dependent on one another and the stress that presents on that relationship and how they handle it. I also like that there is a genuine social message about the environment in the plot as well
Tell us about your character ‘Judy’?
I play Judy Dutten, the wife of the sheriff and also the town’s doctor so she has this personal relationship with the townsfolk, because she has delivered their babies, she’s seen them in all different kinds of states, she knows them intimately and is obviously very shocked to see the loved people of her town turning into The Crazies.
How was working with Timothy Olyphant and Joe Anderson?
It’s a really wonderful bunch of people to be working with. Timothy has such good energy, he’s always keeping people laughing on set. He’s a really great guy and wonderful leader for this group and Joe is also very intense, a fantastic actor and was just very charming and wonderful to have around.
How was it working with director Breck Eisner?
Breck is the right guy for this project. He knows what people want and can express it in a fun, hip way. Working with him has been great because he’s younger, cool and lovely and everybody on set really responds to what’s fun about him.
Danielle Panabaker (Becca)
What drew you to the script?
I loved that it goes into people’s deepest places. That part of the disease of going crazy is that your fears and your deepest resentments come out. That’s how you start killing people which is scary so there is something about that which leaves people thinking.… at least I did after I read the script!
How was it shooting on location instead of a soundstage?
I really love shooting on location. It gives you the opportunity to completely focus on the film and not get distracted by other things. We were filming in Georgia for a few weeks which was really nice, it’s good to be in the south. Everyone was really sweet and you eat lots of peach cobbler and they take great care of you and here in the Midwest everyone’s so friendly and helpful.
What was it like working with the gory make up? When these people are on set they are just walking around hanging out and the perception is so freaky because they truly look sick. That just speaks the incredible talent of the make up, art and special effects teams. It’s just crazy to see the transformation between when someone walks into the makeup trailer and when someone walks out of it, it’s really impressive!
How was working with the rest of the cast? It’s a great combination of people. Tim is a really strong lead and an incredible actor who’s very thoughtful and he brings the film together. Radha is just the best. So quirky and wonderful and fun, it’s really great to have her on set. Joe is so full of energy and he really brings a great forward motion to the film, he is really wonderful. It’s a great chemistry between everyone and we have a lot of fun but I think we also do really great work
The Crazies is released in cinemas across the UK on 26th February. Stay with EF for more on The Crazies tomorrow including our official review of the film.
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