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Exclusive: Talking The Dark Knight With Monique Curnen
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By Kellvin Chavez on
June 16, 2008
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'The Dark Knight' arrives (or is it returns?) in just a few short weeks and with the blockbuster movie season already underway, the latest Batman film looks to be the highlight of the summer. Along with the familiar cast of Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman are new additions Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart and the late Heath Ledger.
One new face sure to stand out is that of Monique Curnen, who stars opposite Oldman's Lt. James Gordon as rookie Detective Ramirez of the Gotham City police force. Ms. Curnen previously apppeared in the HBO film 'Bernard and Doris' and in a series of interviews for 'The Dark Knight' we had the chance to chat with her a bit about how she landed the role.
Though she was unable to share story details, Ms. Curnen did discuss with us the darker tone of the film, her familiarity with Batman, her collaboration with Oldman and what it was like to witness Ledger's transformation into the homicidal Joker.
LatinoReview: Since I haven't seen the film can you explain to us who you play in 'The Dark Knight'?
Curnen: I can't say much, but my role is Detective Ramirez. I work for the Gotham City Police Department. I work closely with Lt. Gordon, which is Gary Oldman's character. Most of my scenes are with him.
LatinoReview Are you a big fan of the comic book?
Curnen: Absolutely. Absolutely, my older brother had 'The Dark Knight' when it came out. It was his favorite graphic novel so I remember he would barely let me touch it, but every now and again I would sneak a peek. Finally I got a chance to read it, so I think it's an amazing comic book.
LatinoReview: How did you come about getting on board for this? What was the attraction for you to come aboard?
Curnen: I came aboard the old fashioned way, I auditioned for it, and then they called me for a call back with the director. Soon I got the great news that I had booked the role. The attraction was huge, I had seen the first 'Batman' and fell in love with how the story was told. I loved the director's aesthetic. I'm actually a big fan of this director's work. 'Memento' is one of my favorite films. I just feel like he's got such a great sense of suspense and story telling, as well as an amazing aesthetic. I love the darkness and the noir aspect of the first 'Batman' and I think this one is going to be equally as interesting to look at, as well as experience as a story.
LatinoReview: Speaking of the first one, how much darker is it from the first one to this one? I'm hearing that it's a lot darker than the first one.
Curnen: I think it's a bit darker. I mean I can't say exactly because I haven't seen the finished product yet, so I couldn't give you an accurate answer on that, but from the script and some of the stuff that I know that happens it is a bit darker. It will be interesting to see how folks react.
LatinoReview: How was your collaboration with Gary Oldman? How was he to work with?
Curnen: He is a phenomenal person. He is one of the greatest actors of all times. It was amazing to be able to work with him, and observe him at work, and to play with him. Also, he is one of the funniest guys ever. He's got these wonderful stories about his work and different films he has done. I feel like I'm one of the luckiest actors out there to have gotten to spend a summer working with one of the great talents of our time.
LatinoReview: A lot of the focus, as you know, its sad to say but a lot of the focus was on Heath Ledger's performance. Did you have any scenes with him at all?
Curnen: I did, I was in a couple of scenes that he is in, and so it was amazing to observe him at work. He was such a super talented guy. Also, he was just a wonderful person. He had a wonderful spark, and a really great mischievous smile, and he was wonderful to meet and work with. I feel really fortunate to have had that opportunity.
LatinoReview: Obviously there is a lot of sadness to see this talent disappear out of nowhere.
Curnen: Very sad. It's really still surreal to this day. I'm sure it's even more so for his family members. It defies all reason that he's not still with us.
LatinoReview: You worked with him, how much was he into that character.
Curnen: I think he was very thoroughly immersed in the character, certainly on set, but…
LatinoReview: In other words when they said 'Action!' he was The Joker?
Curnen: Yeah, definitely. Of course he had this crazy Joker get up and the hair, and all the prosthetic stuff on the face, so he was certainly transformed.
LatinoReview: And speaking of one of your favorite directors, how was it taking directions from Nolan?
Curnen: It was amazing. He is a guy that has such a precise vision for what he wants. He has this great team that knows how to work in tandem with him to get him the results that he wants. That was really wonderful to be a part of because you feel like there is this really secure place. You are all on the same page, in terms of what you are looking to be, but he was also open to people having different suggestions. If people were like 'Hey, I think I would like to try it one more time, or a slightly different way.' I felt he was open to that stuff.
LatinoReview: Did you improvise a lot?
Curnen: Not a lot. Not a lot, not a ton, but a little bit.
LatinoReview: For you, what is it that you want audiences to come out with after seeing this film?
Curnen: In relation to my character in particular or to the film?
LatinoReview: To yours and the film itself.
Curnen: I think what I love about this film is that I think it's a fascinating study about some of the current economic and moral pressures that are very present in our society at this point and time. I think it would be great for people to come out with a passionate understanding for people whose paths are a little less fortunate. Things are seldom black and white, but there are a lot of grey areas, in terms of choices that we make, but that also all of our choices have repercussions. I think one of the underlying messages is to think about the good of the many instead of the good of the few.
LatinoReview: Are you signed on for sequels?
Curnen: Not at present and not that I'm aware of, that's to be determined. I'm more than happy to participate and would love to see the development of my character and see her come back. I would like to see her be an integral part of the next episode, so to speak.
LatinoReview: What do you have coming up next for you?
Curnen: I just wrapped a film in New Mexico called 'Spoken Word' with Ruben Blades and Kuno Becker. I'm off to New York in the middle of this month to work on a new pilot for ABC TV, a pilot called 'The Unusuals' and its an ensemble, cop, dramedy. It's got good drama and a lot of good humor as well. I'm very excited about that, I will be playing another policewoman in a very different kind of role, but a totally fun thing.
LatinoReview: What do you think of this Latin boom that is happening in Hollywood?
Curnen: I think it's fantastic. I think it's about time. We have been in this country for so many generations, we are certainly very involved in all kinds of different walks of life, and different kinds of jobs. I think Hollywood, in addition to realizing that we have power at the box office, is realizing that we are everywhere in real life. So, why not incorporate that into the movie making that is supposed to be a reflection of real life? I think it's fantastic, I look forward to more diverse and complex roles coming our way, and also to more of us becoming executives, directors, and producers. I think it will be great when there are more of us in the decision making process for all the great films to come.
THE DARK KNIGHT OPENS JULY 18TH
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