Olivia Thirlby made her acting debut in United 93, but is better known from her breakthrough role as Leah, Ellen Page’s best friend in Juno. Selected by Vanity Fair as one of Hollywood’s New Wave in 2008, the 23-year-old New Yorker now stars in New York, I Love You.
As a New Yorker, what do you think is the city’s appeal?
The high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. New York is also such a melting pot of cultures and people from all over the world.
What was it like working with director Brett Ratner (X-Men: The Last Stand)?
It was a very fun and memorable experience. There’s one scene where I had to climb a tree in Central Park, but the municipality doesn’t allow anyone to climb trees in the park. So Brett had to truck in a tree, place it onto a concrete path, then added some grass. Basically, we had to build our own little garden just for that scene. I also got to work with veteran actor James Caan. I’m his big fan.
From Juno to the Sundance-premiered The Wackness, it seems you are more into indie fare than big-budget blockbusters?
If I got a chance to work in a blockbuster, I wouldn’t turn it down. But it’s just that indie films give me a chance to have more creative freedom and explore new roles.
What if you got to write a script and star in an episode of Bangkok, I Love You, what’s your tale going to be about?
Probably about an American actress who, during her first trip to Bangkok, finds her true love.
