Devon Aoki: Indie Gem
Devon Aoki successfully made the transition from high fashion model to actress, and through her film work earned respect among directors such as John Singleton and Robert Rodriguez and martial arts extraordinaire Jet Li. Aoki’s first feature film was in 2003, Damon Dash’s Death of a Dynasty. Later in 2003, she received her big break as Suki in Singleton’s 2 Fast 2 Furious. The wildly successful Frank Miller/Robert Rodriguez project Sin City followed. Unlike her counterparts, Aoki has shied away from the tabloids and over the course of years, she has balanced big budget studio films with indie gems, thus giving her the cool, low-key, indie street cred that she deserves.
IFQ sat down with Aoki as she discussed her latest film Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Undead, independent films, challenging genres and the “Indie Rat Pack”—Jordan Galland, Sean Lennon and Michele Civetta.
IFQ: The last indie film that I saw you in was D.E.B.S. Now you are in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Undead, which boasts an eclectic ensemble cast: Jake Hoffman, Jeremy Sisto, John Ventimiglia, Ralph Macchio, Bijou Phillips, and Sean Lennon as the composer. Also the film is directed by first-time director Jordan Galland. How did you come on board and what was it like making the film?
Devon Aoki: I’m friends with Jordan and Jake and had already worked with Sean on his Friendly Fire videos. Doing this movie was very satisfying, especially when all the pieces started to come together and the chemistry was there. I think it’s quite rare to go on sets where the entire cast and crew are made up of friends and people that you trust and want to support. We were working in such close quarters, no trailers, no frills, and it turned into a bit of a family affair. We really had the best chemistry as far as the entire production and more importantly, every single person on set believed in Jordan and his vision. We weren’t there because we were getting paid; we were there because we all believed in the project. And after all the hard work and love that was put into this little fledgling film, I just hope that this movie has a real chance to be seen.
IFQ: What was your reaction when you first read the script?
DA: I thought it was very funny, and I liked the storyline. I remember not taking the offer that seriously until I read the script and felt that they had something special.
IFQ: Can you tell me about your roles (Anna/Ophelia) in this film?
DA: Anna is just a girl, and Ophelia is that “normal” girl playing Ophelia.
IFQ: What are your personal thoughts on your characters Anna/Ophelia? Which of your own qualities did you bring to the table in these particular roles, if any?
DA: Well, Jake is one of my close friends and so our own real friendship was always there, on camera and off. It wasn’t a huge stretch finding those special moments and creating that history. We just added in a romantic element, which was quite easy for us because we are so comfortable with one another.
IFQ: Since your past films have been mainly action, how did you prepare for your roles in this supernatural comedy? Did you find it challenging mixing elements of modern acting (Anna) with stage/supernatural acting (Ophelia)?
DA: It was a nice chance for me to put the katana swords away, speak with my true voice and be a character that is much closer to who I am. The transition was not so extreme to become Ophelia because it’s a comedy and there is room to play and we weren’t trying to be rigid and channel the Globe Theatre.
IFQ: You worked with both Jordan and Sean on two films: Jordan’s Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Undead and Sean’s musical project Friendly Fire. Can you tell me about working with both of them on these two films? Did the first project eventually lead to your involvement on Rosencrantz?
DA: Yes, it’s one of many reasons as to why I became involved with Rosencrantz. Michele (Civetta) is best friends with Jordan and Sean, and he directed Friendly Fire. They have been working on projects together for years, writing scripts and making short films. They absolutely are the real deal, talented and passionate filmmakers with a lot to say, and steadfast in creating work that is unique but beautiful and challenges the conventional esthetic. I believe in all three of them, whether they are doing films together or working on solo projects.
IFQ: As an actress, what do you find most challenging in the following genres—comedy and supernatural (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Undead); comic book style (Sin City); action (2 Fast 2 Furious)? Which genre do you think is the most difficult?
DA: The most difficult for me is the action stuff because you can’t fake sword work and martial arts. You have to train, and it’s tough on your body and if you are hired for action, you will be the one delivering the action—so practice, practice, salt baths and more practice.
IFQ: What’s your opinion on independent films vs. studio films? Can you tell me about your personal experience as an actress working on independent films and studio films?
DA: I think we will be seeing a lot from the independent world. It’s less expensive, less red tape, and sometimes the films are much more interesting. I have done both big studio films and passion project independents, and the truth is you never know what to expect regardless of scale! The magic is in teams, not in budgets.
IFQ: Are there any artists or filmmakers today, both established and upcoming, whose work excites you?
DA: Yeah, Jordan Galland, Sean Lennon and Michele Civetta. I think as far as upcoming filmmakers, they are the new rat pack.