22 Jan, 2010

In the movie you play Cynthia. How do you see her?

I see her as my worst nightmare, because I actually have some things in common with her. You know when you are stressed out and there are those moments when you think: “Wouldn’t life be nice if everything were in order and everyone just did his or her job.” I think that’s kind of how Cynthia operates; but she does it on a more daily basis than I do.

And you even get to work with your friend Jason Bateman, who plays your husband?

I get along with Jason really well, and I admire him and love his style of comedy. And I adore him as a friend and hang out with him and his wife as much as I can. So, knowing him personally before, I was really excited to work by his side.

What kind of a couple do you both form?

Jason and Cynthia form a very practical couple that is constantly searching for a solution; but I think they are just too analytical and never break down the walls to talk about their feelings or their needs. They talk about how they should be, which gets in the way of how they are. So, they go to this therapy retreat in search of an answer that can never be given to them, because they have to find it themselves.

And how much improvising went on during the shoot?

A lot, and we all got to improvise, but at the end of the day it was about what drove the story best. Shooting this movie was a very collaborate experience -which is always exciting- in a very supportive environment. And that is the way to deliver a good
comedy, because you are not going to make one surrounded by people that are mean to each other.

What is it like to work with Vince Vaughn?

Vince is a comedy powerhouse and is pretty much the best at what he does. He knows what drives the scene and what the audience wants to see, and he is brilliant at getting it. And if you put him next to Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman and the rest of the cast we have, it only gets even better.

The film has many hilarious scenes. Which was your most embarrassing moment?

I feel as though with my recent projects I am definitely making a living out of embarrassing myself, but I don’t mind. In this case I think we were all nervous about stripping down on the beach; especially when we knew Faizon was going to be naked! And the sun is so intense down there. I think I was the only one that didn’t look.

Which is your favorite character in Couples Retreat?

I don’t know, but I really like Peter Seranowicz’s character –the sort of Maitre’De of the hotel. I love his comedy and he makes me laugh all the time.


Couples Retreat is out on DVD and Blu-ray February 4.