Through the Looking Glass with the Women of 'Wonderland'

March 02, 2010

Through the Looking Glass with the Women of 'Wonderland'

Why this short self-interview is more memorable than 90% of the advertising for Alice in Wonderland:

The vast advertising campaign for 'Alice' often over-emphasizes Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter. In this interview neither his image nor his name is spoken. He's not referred to at all! Amazing!

Wouldn't you like to hear Mia Wasikowska say her own name so you'll know the definitive pronunciation? I've heard it mangled so many times that I wasn't even going to attempt to say it. Now I can say it correctly--over and over!

Speaking of Mia Wasikowska, she comes across as reflective in her thinking as well as utterly charming in an unforced way. I was hoping to see the side of her that Depp previously characterized as (to paraphrase) "delightfully odd," but the interview is short and she was sitting adjacent to Helena Bonham Carter who, let's face it defines delightfully odd.

Previously I've noted that I've not ever seen any work done by Anne Hathaway. It probably is unfair to judge based on this one interview but she seems bland and frankly, a dim bulb. For example, Bonham Carter had to correct Hathaway when Hathaway was referring to her own character's (The White Queen) behaviour and traits. Hathaway did not know to distinguish between the March Hare and The White Rabbit. Her explanation of what inspired her performance was quite pedestrian and taken as a (admittedly small ) package--in person, she is utterly unimpressive. Perhaps she transforms herself on screen or perhaps to get this film made Burton conceded and cast a "marquee" American actor.

Watch the video. It was the first thing I did online today--as I'd found it just before signing off last night and it was quite a delightful way to start the day.

In the latest edition of Unscripted, 'Alice in Wonderland,' stars Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and Mia Wasikowska discuss everything from their favorite characters and inspiration for their roles-- to who inspired the White Queen's punk edge.

Hathaway explains the thought process behind developing her role as the White Queen and combining the attributes of such diverse icons as Greta Garbo and Debbie Harry. Wanting to be both regal and left of center at once, her motivation was "the idea that someone can look so sweet but actually be very...fierce." She adds, "I've seen so many regal queens. I wanted to introduce a punk element to her."

Mia discusses depicting the older Alice, at the center of this film, compared to the iconic young Alice we know from previous 'Wonderland' productions and her experience in her first major starring role. The ever-charming Helena Bonham Carter, meanwhile, gives us insight on living and working with arguably one of the most eccentric directors in modern film: Mr. Tim Burton.

More Alice self-interview with Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and Mia Wasikowska after the jump.