Ellen Page and Diablo Cody on taking risks

Ellen Page, to “Juno” screenwriter Diablo Cody: You have to take risks and go against conventional wisdom and structure. What was that like.

Diablo Cody: I guess I didn’t see the point of adding another conventional story to the pile; there are so many. I guess I would rather fail doing something off the wall, than succeed at something pedestrian. That’s my whole philosophy in life.

Ellen Page: If I don’t take a risk, I get really, really bored. And being challenged stems from taking a risk. …

Diablo Cody: Was there ever a time in your life when you were tempted to follow the traditional starlet route?

Ellen Page: No, not in the slightest. I’d rather be shot in the foot.

See more videos on Diablo Cody’s blog The Pussy Ranch, in the post Totally Spontaneous Chats.

There are different ways to risk, sometimes it can be a choice to pull back, not take an “obvious” path.

Sarah Polley on turning down a “star-maker role”

A few years ago, Sarah Polley made the decision to back out of a “star-maker role” in the film Almost Famous (which was then played by Kate Hudson).

“I don’t believe in conspiracy theories,” Polley commented, “and I don’t believe Hollywood is as organized or as paranoid as people believe, but there are certain roles where it’s all sort of mapped out and pre-determined. This was one of them. And at the last second I pulled back.”

She continued, “I think those moments where you decide not to do something, in the face of nobody understanding that decision, are the moments that form you, that carve you out. It will always be a part of who I am, that I did that.” [From the page Acting : teen/young adult 3]
~~

compromising yourself, building identity, personal development acting, creative risks

Tags: Diablo Cody, Ellen Page, emotional challenges, personal development, Sarah Polley, self concept, self confidence, young actors.
12.06.07 |
  Get more information and resources in the Developing Talent Newsletter
    Personal Growth Products / Programs       Anxiety Relief Programs.

Related Articles

• Keeping your integrity – Sarah Polley on staying true by not taking the big movie role
• Intuition – Keeping out of your head to act
• Dealing with fame – or not
• Acting life experience – Ellen Pompeo: strength and tenacity from a challenging early life
• Creative risks – Amy Adams on being authentic but safe