KAREN GILLAN X THE LATERALS
Some actors fall victim to getting cornered into a niche, but Karen Gillan is not one of them. Don't be distracted by her impressive stature, sterling good looks or brilliant red hair - all of which are the kind of assets we'd gladly take on and file into our personal repertoires. Those traits are obvious; it's what she translates into her work that's most captivating. Whether it's the intricate Amy Pond in Doctor Who, the notorious Nebula in Guardians Of The Galaxy or the obstinately fierce and feminine Martha in Jumanji, Karen Gillan proves she can be whoever she wants to be.
Having performed for theatre, television and almost everything in-between, Karen is no stranger to the art of adaptation. Actually, strike that. Karen is no stranger to the art of amelioration; because she never ceases to outdo herself. Just last year, she took to task the writing, directing and starring role of a British-American drama called The Party's Just Beginning. The entire project speaks to how truly impressive she is on all facets. The writing is superb, a blend of horrific and humorous deliverances that only Karen herself could have brought to perfection. Her character is the 24 year-old Liusaidh, haunted by a friend's suicide and trapped in a dead-end job in a town she abhors. Her only moments of sanctity are sought out at the bottom of a liquor bottle, followed by rough sex with a stranger and fast food. As dark as the story goes, the one light in it all is Karen's radiantly poignant portrayal.
With so many more projects coming down the pipeline, it really could not be more appropriate. For Karen Gillan, the party is just beginning.
Some people may not know this, but you've studied the arts extensively growing up. What drew you to it? Was acting always the goal?
I grew up in a small city in the North of Scotland called Inverness, where the arts are very prominent. I was lucky enough to be able to study acting from around the age of fourteen in my local theatre; it was an incredible education and I learned so much about theatre. Acting was always the goal – I’ve loved it since I was a little kid let loose with a video camera. The idea that I could make films that would last forever was something that blew my mind and continues to do so.
Tell us the story of how you were "discovered".
People like to a point to a singular moment of discovery, which is usually the result of years of screaming “I’m here!” I had been working towards being an actor from a young age, but due to where I grew up there were no opportunities for professional work, which is something I’m fairly pleased about. There are no accidental discoveries when you are from where I’m from. If you want to do this as a career, then you have to dedicate your life to making it happen. It requires more significant life choices than if you are someone from London, for example. So, when I finally moved to London, I was ready. I was in drama school when I was offered my first acting role on television, so I dropped out of school and took the job. However, it was a quick little job and soon I was working in a pub in London pulling pints. I needed to think of something to get myself back on track so I finally asked the director of the one job I had done if he could help me get an agent in London and it worked! I would describe that as my breakthrough moment because what came from that was lots of opportunities to audition for roles, and I was eventually offered my breakout role of ‘Amy Pond’ in Doctor Who.
Tell us a time when you felt like you failed. If you could go back, what wisdom would you share with yourself?
I fail all the time; it happens more often than not and I’m very proud of that. If you’re not failing, then you’re not taking risks and, therefore, you’re never going to be truly great at what you do. I used to beat myself up about it but now I accept it as part of my process because If I’m failing, that means I’m learning and getting better. It’s a very exhilarating and freeing experience to embrace your failures.
You've starred in a number of films and television series with huge cult followings: Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy andThe Avengers. How would you describe your fans?
The greatest of all fans of all time; the fans are who we make these films for. I got so much enjoyment from just acting things out in my bedroom growing up and now to have legions of people caring about this thing I like to do is completely mind blowing. I’m so grateful to everyone. It makes filmmaking so much more fun to know you have people to provide for, to impress and satisfy.
What is the strangest thing someone has ever gifted you?
I get a lot of random objects of myself including cushions of my face and knitted goods. I keep them all because I’m a full narcissist.
Your vibrant red hair is such a signature part of your persona. What was it like shaving your head for The Avengers? Anything we should know before shedding our manes?
It was awful parting with my hair! I actually kept it all and I still have it. I think I will donate it because that truly feels like the right thing to do. Honestly, cutting it was awful, yet very liberating. I got a lot of joy out of dedicating myself to the part. I also felt like life was testing me in a sense of how much I wanted this job and acting in general. I wanted it so badly that I was willing to lose every strand of hair.
We can only imagine how much fun it was to work on Jumanji. Would you say Jack Black is good at flirting? Please share with us one of your favorite behind-the-scenes moments.
Jumanji was one of the most fun and hilarious experiences I’ve had on a film. Jack Black is shockingly skilled at flirting. I learned a lot and I’m so grateful.
You wrote, directed and starred in The Party's Just Beginning and we couldn't be more impressed. What was your process? Would you do anything differently?
Thank you! My process was one of intense preparation and then, on the day, I was very free and open to where we naturally ended up. I would rehearse the scenes with a stand-in actress and then I would jump in and record my parts. If I could do one thing differently, it would be not playing the role – I would have loved the experience of being behind the monitor the whole time, as I’m obsessed with visuals, timing and things like that. So next time, I’ll be behind the camera.
Now that you're a triple threat, what other useful/secret skills can we add to your repertoire?
Maybe business skills in the tech world. That’s all I’m saying so far. Watch this space.
Tell us about your role on the remake of Jack London's classic novel Call of the Wild. What can we look forward to?
I play the role of Mercedes. She is a very privileged, spoiled girl who finds herself less than content in the harsh cold conditions. It’s going to be a beautiful film with a dog you’re going fall in love with it.
You will also be in Gunpowder Milkshake alongside an incredible cast of women. What can you tell us about it? We want to know all your secrets.
This film is so exciting. It’s rare when you read a script and feel like you are in unchartered territory. It’s so original, inventive and cool. I can’t believe I got to be in this film with such an incredible group of actresses; I learned a lot from them. I spent most of my time nerding out over their acting choices.
What is one thing that Americans say that you just can't get over?
They say “I ate shit” which means that they fell over! I must say I was rather confused for some time before I braved it and asked why they would do such a thing.
You've done brilliant work throughout your career. However, we found one of your most notable during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel - an impersonation of Britney Spears. Where did you master this and what others can you do?
Haha. I actually have no idea where that came from but I’m working on my Christopher Walken as we speak.