Street: What makes Penelope a fresh take on a fairy tale? Christina Ricci: I think the writer uses that traditional structure to then inject this very powerful surprise, and to really make a statement in an impactful way that isn't necessarily patronizing.
Street: How do you think this movie will impact young individuals? CR: I'm hoping that young people really like the movie. [This is] a movie that promotes the value of being an individual and definitely self-acceptance. just this idea of really genuinely loving yourself.
Street: Do you relate to Penelope's situation? CR: I think that's one of the things that's so great about this movie is that it's really universal. Your insecurities can be about anything; a lot of this movie is a metaphor. Her having something as extreme as a pig nose is like our insecurities over someone being really shy. That's actually my problem, I have an insecurity about my personality which has been very daunting in the past. The reason the writer used something so extreme is a way of showing that you can take an insecurity only you have and blow it up, to the point where you might as well be deformed because you put such restriction on yourself from the experiences in life you can have.
Street: What was it like working with the cast? CR: It was wonderful. Initially, the script was submitted to me by Reese [Witherspoon]. I have known Reese for years, and she and I have always talked about woman issues. Everybody always, without even talking to each other, wanted Catherine O'Hara. Getting to work with her was great. James McAvoy is an incredible actor and just a gentle soul and fun to be around.
Street: You've always been in very creative films. How does this movie compare in the artistic aspect? CR: I think that this movie is very different from a lot of movies that are out there. It is a fable, but it also has a lot of modern elements. This movie does have a very specific production design and production value. I think that the director was very inspired by the painter Mark Ryan and by Tim Burton. The movie is just beautiful to look at.
