December 23, 2005
By Veronica Mixon
Beautiful Sienna Miller may be best known as actor Jude Law’s girlfriend
– the one he cheated on with his children’s nanny and the
one who took him back! But, the gorgeous blonde former model-turned-actress
is quickly establishing a solid acting career with well-acted roles in
such films as the gritty crime thriller, “Layer Cake”
opposite the rugged British actor who will be the next James Bond, Daniel
Craig; the contemporary remake of Alfie opposite Law and in the
upcoming bio-pic of Sixties Andy Warhol party girl, Edie Sedgwick in Factory
Girl.
Born in New York City to an American father and South African mother,
the 24-year-old actress initially turned heads with his sexy, comic role
in the American television series, Keen Eddie after studying
at Lee Strasberg. But, her current performance as the outspoken Francesca
Bruni opposite Heath Ledger in Lasse Hallström’s romantic comedy,
Casanova is both charming and delightful. I
met Sienna Miller just weeks before Christmas at a luxurious New York
Hotel where she spoken candidly about her life, her career and Casanova.
THE INTERVIEW
Why did you want to play this role?
I think as an actress it is very rare to read something where you’re
not [just] the girl there to serve some romantic purpose in a male dominated
cast. I was 21 when I read it and saw this heroine who was intelligent,
feminist, cross-dressing, swashbuckling and just generally a fantastic
role. So, I begged for it.
Did you like wearing the corset under your costume?
It helps put you in character. I was very excited about the corset for
half an hour until they put it on you and your internal organs are being
crushed. Great cleavage, but at the expense of your life – all most.
So, it was very different but I was playing a character who felt very
repressed by the society that she was in. Not being able to breathe helps
you to go there.
So, it wasn’t your most ideal clothing?
[Wearing a] Corset is like a very high heel in London society. I don’t
really wear [high heels] too much. I’m a comfort girl.
What was it like working with Heath [Ledger]?
It was very fantastic! A lot of male actors playing the greatest lover
of all time would have come in with an enormous ego and pouted and puffed
their way through it. Heath being the man that he is, the actor that he
is, allowed it to be an ensemble piece and that’s really rare. He’s
was great! He really took care of me. He was like my big brother. We had
a right giggle on set. We both don’t take life too seriously. He’s
just generous and kind. He knew that I was nervous and that it was my
first big role in a huge film and he kind of helped me out.
What makes you feel empowered as a woman?
I think being able to hold your own in an intellectual conversation --
Feeling like you don’t need a man to complete you, Just feeling
independent. I suppose the thing that empowers everyone – just feeling
good about yourself.
Is it more difficult now that you’re a media target?
No, I feel like I’ve overcome a lot and I feel more powerful. That’s
an aspect of my life that I feel more content with.
How do you deal with all of the media attention?
I surround myself with friends and family [that] I’ve had since
I was three. I do very normal things. I have dogs. I don’t lead
a particular exciting life away from work. I don’t go to celebrity
parties. I don’t really court that. I accept that it’s a part
of my life. I hope that it will be less prevalent than it has been this
year. I’m content, I’m happy so I feel strong.
Are your ideas of romance similar to those of the character?
She was looking for that ‘worthy’ person?
She was. I think deep down probably but I’d relent easier than she
does. She’s pretty resilient sticking by what she wants. It’s
a different society now that’s why I think there are male and female
Casanova’s. I know what I like and what I don’t like. I like
someone who makes me laugh. Someone who’s enthusiastic and interested
in things. Other than that, I can let go of the rest.
Do you have a career plan?
I don’t really have a strategy or game plan. I think the minute
I do, everything would fail. I love to do supporting roles and leading
roles – any kind of character that would be tiny or huge just to
grow and get better with great better. I have a list in my head –
a few people that I’d love to work with.
Like who?
Cate Blachand, Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn, I love them! Lots of people!
Ang Lee – I think he’s a great director.
These are all people who don’t take straight paths to do
anything.
Yeah, I’m drawn to that. I just want to creative and to grow and
be inspired. I don’t want to do anything generic or dull.
Playing Edie in “Factory Girl” isn’t a glamorous
role that would make you a star.
No, I don’t want to be a star, I think. Well, I just love what I
do. I think it’s because I’m fascinated with people more than
celebrity or being pampered. She was Andy Warhol’s muse in the Sixties.
She was very destructive, a big drug addict and died at 28. It’s
pretty sad.
Do you think that the media attention on personal life boosted
your career?
I don’t read [tabloids] so I don’t really know. I think the
press had said it has done wonders for my career but to be perfectly honest,
people had said that when I was with Jude from the start. I got “Alfie”
on my own; I got this part [in “Casanova”] and “Factory
Girl” independently. Everything happens for a reason.
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