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BONNIE DICKENSON talks about Todd Verow and LITTLE SHOTS OF HAPPINESS |
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| "The month I
spent playing Frances in LITTLE SHOTS OF
HAPPINESS was like nothing I had imagined. I arrived in Boston
ready to work, my script outlined with extensive color-coded notes, every
emotion and thought written down per scene. I was in good health due to
exercise, healthy eating, and being an avid non-smoker and drinker. I was
excited, finally a part, something I could dig my teeth into. After the first week of shooting, I realized my notes and outlines were completely useless. We could start the scene with what was written down, but then improv our way through the meat of the scene with Todd's guidance. Each take was long and grueling. When I thought I had finally nailed it, Todd would say, "Well, we're getting there, let's try it this way." He pushed me. I have to admit I was a little bitter at first, not being used to this way of working and all. What about all my notes and preparation, my classical training? Somehow, subconsciously I realized: Oh, this part calls for more. I had to become Frances, but how?My accomodations during the film were with a friend of my mother (there was no production money for a hotel). Her teen-aged daughter and her college-aged son befriended me. It was their summer vacation, so there was a party every night. As my character, Frances, freed herself from adult life, so did I. I started reliving my high school days, but now with the confidence and knowledge of an adult. I could not help but love the attention I received from some very energetic eighteen year old boys; who were stunned when I revealed my age to them - and then regarded me as an older sister.By the second week of shooting I was up to a pack a day and looked with scorn on people who disapproved of smoking in restaurants. I started living out Frances' fantasies and rebellion. As she started drinking, so did I, and with complete abandon. All of a sudden, I was Frances and boy was it fun!By the third week, my new lifestyle started taking its toll. I would show up a little tired and puffy on the set due to my excursions from the night before. Not so coincidentally, Frances had also started her downward spiral at this point of filming. Todd didn't seem to mind, I think he understood the process I was going through. Whatever is good for the movie. Plus, then he didn't feel so bad when he made me run through a fountain in broad daylight wearing only a tight black dress. It all ended
too soon. I had to say good-bye to my new best friends and cried at
the airport. I didn't want to leave, I didn't want to go back to my
boring adult life. My boyfriend didn't recognize me when I got home.
I was into Rap music, Camel Lights and baggy jeans. I found all my twenty-something
friends incredibly dull. I missed Boston, I missed Frances.By the way,
life is back to normal now. I quit smoking, my friends don't seem so
bad, and I get tipsy from a glass of wine. Oh well, back to reality
I guess."
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