When we were in LA recently for the #MillionDollarArmEvent we did not get to interview Lake Bell. She is a busy lady, but she graciously hopped on a conference call with myself and a few other bloggers this week, to chat about Million Dollar Arm that hit theaters TODAY! We had all sorts of questions for the leading lady in Disney’s latest film, but all of us wanted to know if she got to travel to India during filming. You see, none of Bell’s scenes are in India, but we wondered if she got to go along for the experience.
Lake Bell: I sort of felt like I got left out of the coolest trip ever. I’m not complaining, but when the boys came back they complained, about the weather and the exotic foods that made them sick. I would have packed Pepto Bismol to have the life experience. I’m super bummed about not going. Maybe there will be a Mrs. Brenda the sequel.
I gotta admit I would love to see a Mrs. Brenda the sequel. Like a “where are they now‘ story! 😀 Brenda is a character I would have loved more of in Million Dollar Arm. She is a strong woman and puts JB Bernstein in his place a few times. We wondered how Lake Bell prepared to play a stronger female role.
Lake Bell: Because its’ a true story, the thought is you have to find something about the real person and latch on to it. These are not iconic characters from history so it’s a different ball game – pun intended. You have to adhere to the message and honor the skimatics of the story vs literal physical quirks. Who is Brenda and how does she influence the people around her. I didn’t meet real Brenda until premiere. I had just combed through the script and met her husband being on set.
Once we knew how she prepared for the role, we wanted to know what she most admired about Brenda.
Lake Bell: Her no bullshit policy. She is very much an advocate of tough love and stands up for herself. The female character can often be left on the sideline – pun entended. Brenda was written really beautifully…to be more assertiveness and unafraid of punching him in the proverbial gut and call him a jerk when it’s due. The real Brenda wasn’t a doctor. She sells helicopter for a living. She’s a bonafide bad ass.
Now that we know what Bell thinks of Brenda, I bet you are also wondering what Brenda thought of Bell’s performance playing her.
Lake Bell: Brenda is this smokin’ hot lady who is so lovely and sweet. She was very highly complimentary. Her friends saw the movie and said I nailed her physicality. Good casting and natural similarities on how we hold ourselves.
I was familiar with Lake Bell from previous films, but I didn’t realize how many other hands she has in the film making pot. Not only does she act, but she also writes, directs, and produces. How the heck does she balance it all and does she have a favorite job?
Lake Bell: Balance in general happens organically. You understand the time commitment of the role or of directing. When you understand your schedule, everything else fits and makes sense in your schedule. In the past 6 months I’ve done 3 films in different parts of the world. Balance. I love writing, directing, producing, and acting and hope I can contine to do them all. I’m an actor first and foremost, I always have a place in my heart to create characterizations. I’m incredibly lucky the I can do and like all three. Each hat you wear requires different muscles. I like to exercise all parts of creativity and go in cycles. Acting is emotionally a different journey than the others.
Like many of us and the actors in the movie, they were not familiar with the Million Dollar Arm true story.
Lake Bell: I didn’t know ding dong diddly about the story. Reading the script I was thinking no way it’s true. Then when I looked it up….it’s such an extraordinary tale and couldn’t be made up. It’s exciting and crazy to be a part of. You don’t have to be a sports fan to appreciate it. They overcame such cultural and athletic obstacles to get where they are. I’m a fan of sports movies – not necessarily sports. It’s the raw undeniable talent of an athlete and the success that is inspiring. Think of your own capabilities, the emotional stakes…this film ticks the boxes on everything. It’s infectious and gives you goosebumps.
Finally, I’m sure you all want to know Lake Bell’s favorite scenes from Million Dollar Arm!
Lake Bell: Scenes I’m not even in! Pitobash, Suraj and Madhur are a trifecta of awesome Indian talent in this movie. All the scenes with Pitobash (Amit) are my favorite. He evokes true emotion and comedy at the same time.
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