Caffeinated Clint
Kari Wuhrer has come a long way from playing the VeeJay on MTV’s "Remote Control". Nowadays, she’s one of today’s most recognizable actresses, having appeared in such films as "Thinner" (1996), "Anaconda" (1997), "Eight Legged Freaks" (2002), and "The Hitcher II : I’ve Been Waiting" (2003). Her latest role is journalist Amy Klein in the long-awaited "Hellraiser : Deader", and she tells CLINT MORRIS all about it.
How did you get involved in this latest "Hellraiser" movie?
I moved back to NYC from L.A. with the intention to chase the muse as it were. My first audition was for Hellraiser:Deader. I thought …"now this is right up my alley, fuck legit theatre, I’m into this shit", but really, I loved the script.
Were you a fan of the "Hellraiser" films, or did you have to go and rent the previous films?
I loved Hellraiser I,II,and III, but I’m not a total pinhead like my sister-in-law, who can recite lines from all six films.
Seems you’re a bit of a Dimension girl lately! What came first, "Hellraiser" or your role in "Prophecy :Uprising"?
Hellraiser was first. After we finished…it was the most amazing film experience of my career, I decided I would do anything that involved Dimension and Neo Art And Logic. Those people are awesome, they just want to make cool movies.
Can you tell me about working with your "Hellraiser" co-stars, predominately, the iconic Doug Bradley?
It was so cool working with Doug. I didn’t know what to expect at first, but then here comes this smart, down-to-earth family guy who had stories and jokes for forever. His countenance is sublime. That is the place to start when creating a monster…a good honest face. He rocks.
Direct to video sequels are a real trend these days. What’s your take on their popularity?
You have a built in audience. It’s almost like a video game. People will play the DVD over and over to find new stuff. I love this kind of film. It involves a community of fans. So unlike the big box office game. One big hit, cash the check, and bye bye. This is culture.
What was it like filming "Hellraiser" in Romania?
Wow, Romania, what a place.It was a learning experience for sure. The people are so unique, often desperate, yet very proud. The food sucked [though].
Tell me about working with director Rick Bota?
I love love love Rick Bota. He is the most fun, hard working, creative, and energetic person I can say I had the pleasure of working with. He made us all laugh, he made me feel creative and strong and important, like what I had to say mattered. For an actress that is a big deal. You make me feel that way and I will take a million risks for you. We took risks and I think it is a better film for it.
What else have you got coming up?
I’m doing daytime TV ("General Hospital") and raising my son. Staying in town is a big deal these days. I love the challenge. It ain’t the big screen, but it grooves in it’s own way. Every day has a new dish.
I remember you from the short-lived but very cool in it’s day, "Class of ’96", on TV. Now was it a hard decision to have a break from movies and go back to TV for "General Hospital"?
Every decision is a hard one when you have a family, but my little boy comes first. He want Mama home right now.
Have you a favorite film role?
Amy Klein in Deader.
HELLRAISER :DEADER is released on DVD June 7th
