Law Abiding Citizen-Regina Hall, Viola Davis Interviews
Regina Hall plays Jamie Foxx's wife, Richard Portnow is a defense lawyer, and Viola Davis takes on the role of the Mayor in the dramatic thriller 'Law Abiding Citizen.' At the film's premiere, the cast talked about what made the script special.
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Transcript: Law Abiding Citizen-Regina Hall, Viola Davis Interviews
Rebecca Murray from About.com Hollywood Movies at the LA Premiere of Overture Films' Law Abiding Citizen.
Regina Hall – 'Kelly Rice' in Law Abiding Citizen
What was the appeal of a project like this?
Regina Hall: "Well, you know what? I read the script and I just thought it was a really interesting, fun ride, and I kind of didn't know what was going to happen. And I have to say Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx were a gigantic, you know, even if I hadn't read the script - and also F Gary Gray. I really respect him a lot as a director. I think that his range of what he can do, going from Friday to Negotiator to Italian Job, it was really interesting to see what he was going to do in the realm of this suspense of a thriller. And I respect these guys so much so it was a no-brainer."
It's such a dramatic tone. What was the set like though? Did you guys ever relax?
Regina Hall: "Absolutely. You know, I have to say Jamie is literally the king of making a set relaxed. And you know it was freezing in Philly. I didn't have a lot of the outside scenes, but these guys did. But it was freezing. I think just the energy – and we had a great crew. That makes a big difference. Our crew isn't here, but we had an amazing crew that worked long hours. And even in spite of it, they were pretty wonderful."
I've got to know, more Scary Movies in the future?
Regina Hall: "Everyone asks. I don't know. We're going to be 80 years old. They're going to be like, 'Brenda's on social security next.' But I don't know. You never know. But if enough people want to see them, I'm sure they'll make it."
They always guarantee a laugh and we need that.
Regina Hall: "Yes, they do. We do need that now with everything going on so we'll see. Maybe."
Viola Davis – 'Mayor' in Law Abiding Citizen
She's a very strong woman. You must love playing that kind of role, right?
Viola Davis: "Oh, yes. And I don't play strong women very often, you know? It's new, yeah."
And you actually had a fun time on set even though you weren't there for that long.
Viola Davis: "I wasn't. I was only there for maybe a few days. I barreled in and barreled out because I was doing the whole Academy Awards stuff, so yeah."
They were just picking days that you could possibly be on the set.
Viola Davis: "And you know it felt good to be in the crowd scenes whipping people into shape. It's actually quite frightening as a woman. You realize you are not in that position a lot to kind of channel your power."
With all the scripts that you are thrown, why did you want to do this one?
Viola Davis: "I think because F Gary Gray. It was different for me to kind of be in this genre of movie. And I think that was it. And I think being in Philadelphia, being away from the Academy Awards stuff. Listen, you take roles for different reasons. Sometimes it is the director, sometimes it's the actor, sometimes it's the money, sometimes it's the location."
Richard Portnow – 'Bill Reynolds' in Law Abiding Citizen
Richard Portnow: "I play [Darby's] lawyer."
So are you in on all the shenanigans?
Richard Portnow: "Somewhat, yeah. What I do engenders the motive for the film and sets Gerard on his course."
So everything is to blame on you?
Richard Portnow: "Well, in a way. Not completely. I mean the legal system itself is what is indicted in the film, and I represent part of the legal system and Jamie [Foxx] is the other side. He's the Assistant DA and I'm a defense attorney."
Did you do a lot of studying for that? Did you need to?
Richard Portnow: "No, no. I've been a lawyer. You know, I really am a lawyer; I'm not an actor. If you believe that…"
You've made hundreds of movies. That's not true.
Richard Portnow: "No, but I've had hundreds of defense lawyers helping me get away with the crimes I've committed."
So you're a serial killer in real life?
Richard Portnow: "No, I'm a thief. I just picked your pocket. I'm pretty good, right?"