Sorority Row

Interview: The Journey of Rumer Willis With a Stop in ‘Sorority Row’

PatrickMcD — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:07:42 -0600

CHICAGO – Rumer Willis, the progeny of popular stars Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, is now on her own as a young actor and continuing her movie career with a role in “Sorority Row,” opening on Friday this week.

HollywoodChicago.com got a chance to interview Ms. Willis, as she talks about her life in the spotlight, her experiences on-set in filming Sorority Row and the inspirations that continue to drive her life and career.

Shooting from the Hip: Rumer Willis as Ellie in ‘Sorority Row’
Photo credit: © 2009 Summit Entertainment

HollywoodChicago.com: What was different about the Sorority Row experience than any other film or TV show you’ve performed on?

Rumer Willis: It was a great, dynamic group of women and we immediately bonded. I like this movie because it was a female driven cast and it’s a horror film that’s character driven. Most horror films are about the plot and the killer and all that. But this is about all the girls’ journeys, dealing with an intense emotional situation. That was one thing that really attracted me to it. And it’s really funny, really witty. I was pleased how much the humor came through, especially with our chemistry.

HC: This film is essentially a remake of 1983’s ‘House on Sorority Row.’ I noted in the production notes that the screenwriter said the “morals had changed” between then and now. What were you able to get away with in this film that the other couldn’t, because of the difference between the eras?

RW: None of us have actually seen the original. They didn’t want us to watch it so it wouldn’t effect our performances. I felt anyway it was more about taking an idea and the premise, but changing it up and making it more relevant.

Apparently the original is pretty campy, this one I think is more scary. I was actually scared at the screening and I know what happens. That is the difference.

HC: You had to scream a lot in this film. How do you motivate yourself as an actress for that? Is it evoking a feeling of fear or just a certain energy?

RW: I think it’s both. The energy especially has to be high when doing certain emotional scenes. For me at least, when I would scream, it would get me into that mindset. When you scream enough, your hands start to shake and I got really into it much more.

I did think about the back story of the character and her relationship to different things. And my character is just having a mental breakdown and can’t handle anything. So it really made sense that she’s just screaming all the time.

HC: You never were in a sorority in real life. What do you find either odd or enticing about that life, even at the level that you were pretending to be in one?

RW: The main foundation of sororities, I think, is to create a forum for people to get to know each other on campus. I mean, going away to college, the first year on your own, it really is a way to create a sisterhood which can last you a lifetime.

We created our own sorority sisterhood off set. To be able to make friendships with women – in the sense whatever you need, whenever you need it – you’ll have people that will be there for you. And that’s a great thing.

‘Sorority Row’: Margo Harshman, Audrina Partridge, Briana Evigan, Rumer Willis, Leah Pipes and Caroline D’Amore
Photo credit: © 2009 Summit Entertainment

HC: Carrie Fisher has a reputation for being blunt and outrageous. Do you have any anecdotes from working with her on Sorority Row?

RW: She’s so unbelievably witty and intelligent. At times, she’d be really quiet and we’d be in the make-up trailer, then she’d sneak in a line or a little tidbit. I wouldn’t realize until later…then I would think back and say, ‘What? That was brilliant!’

But really seeing her wielding a shotgun, as the housemother, could not have been any better. How could you not love that?

HC: What training in acting or performance, if any, has prepared you most for the ‘hurry up and wait’ nature of film and TV production?

RW: I knew what it was to work on a set from a very young age. It isn’t really a surprise to me. Some people complain, but to me I don’t know why you ever would. To have an opportunity to do something you love when there are so many young actors competing for the same thing is special.

It can be difficult at times, when doing these intense emotional scenes. But thankfully this shoot was pretty quick. It was 20 degrees, so there was a motivation to get it done a little quicker (laughs). You have to step out of it when it’s over or at lunch breaks and I don’t have a hard time doing that. You actually need those breaks to recharge.

HC: If you could have the choice of any kind of role in the movies, what kind of character would it be?

RW: I enjoy anything that pushes me or challenges me outside of the ‘comfort zone,’ that’s how you grow the most. It would be really fun to play the antagonist, the ‘bad guy,’ if I could play it in a way where people really didn’t like the character. That’s when you know you’re doing a good job.

If you’ve done something in the past where people have liked your character, and then turn around and do something where they hate you, that’s potentially really cool.

’Blues Brothers’ 1980: Carrie Fisher’s Back with Guns Blazing in ‘Sorority Row’
Photo Credit: © 1980 Universal

HC: In this era of tabloids, what is the weirdest thing you’ve read or heard about either you or your extended family that really made you laugh?

RW: I don’t read that stuff, ever. In general, if you so let yourself get involved in that then you are letting the opinions of others dictate your life.

I knew about it at a very young age, but it’s much more intense now. They follow you, but I always wonder after one shot, are people really going to want to see the same thing over and over? “Wow, Rumer Willis is in a grocery store.” The amount of work I’ve done is not necessarily equal to the amount of media attention that I get. At the end of the day, I don’t have any feelings about it either way, it is what it is.

HC: You were raised in Idaho and moved to Los Angeles during high school. What differences between those parts of the country do you observe that make it both better and worse when comparing the two areas?

RW: I was in a boarding school in Michigan for my first two years of high school, which was a mini-Julliard, studying theater and classical opera. And then halfway through that is when my Dad was shooting ‘Hostage’ and he told me there was a part. That’s when I left the Michigan school and moved to Los Angeles.

I loved growing up in Idaho, which has a lot to do with certain values I have. It’s odd, in a way I did grow up fast but at the same respect I didn’t, because the things I knew about when I was 14 years old and in Idaho are different from my sisters, who primarily grew up in L.A.

At a certain point in Idaho you reach a limit of growth, especially in regards to the creative arts that I wanted to pursue. I wanted to branch out, and going to the school then moving to L.A. allowed me to do that. If you’re a young actor, there isn’t any other place you would want to be, because the work is there.

HC: You mentioned your training in classical opera and theater. How did that training help you overall in performance?

RW: The opera training really helped me with the screaming in the movie (laughs). And every actor should do theater once in their life, even if they don’t do a play, because there are no ‘do-overs.’ That gives you the foundation to be much more versatile and do many more things in acting. It helps with the confidence.

HC: Your family’s roots on both your father and mother’s side was working class. Given the lifestyle that they both have built and you have enjoyed, how important is it to you and your parents to remember those working class roots?

RW: It is very important for my parents and for Ashton [Kutcher] as well. They really started from more modest roots than where they ended up. If I hadn’t grown up in my circumstances, I probably would have done the same thing.

It is a constant in our lives to remember where we came from. I never wanted anything handed to me, to be that girl who does nothing with her life. I would be bored out of my mind for one thing, and if you don’t earn the things you receive in your life you never learn to appreciate them, because it just doesn’t feel right.

‘Sorority Row’ opens Friday, September 11th. Check local theaters for show times. With Rumer Willis, Margo Harshman, Audrina Partridge, Briana Evigan, Leah Pipes, Caroline D’Amore and Carrie Fisher.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Senior Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

Slideshow: 11-Image Gallery For ‘Sorority Row’ With Rumer Willis, Briana Evigan

BrianTT — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:35:15 -0600

CHICAGO – This 11-image slideshow contains the official press images for “Sorority Row,” starring Rumer Willis, Briana Evigan, Leah Pipes, Jamie Chung, Margo Harshman, Audrina Partridge, Caroline D’Amore, and Carrie Fisher. The film was written by Josh Stolberg and Peter Goldfinger and directed by Stewart Hendler and opens on September 11th, 2009. It is rated R.

Synopsis: “When five sorority sisters of Theta Pi cause the death of one of their own during a foolish prank gone wrong, they conspire to discard the evidence and never speak of the nightmare again. But when a mysterious killer targets the group a year later with a series of bizarre attacks, the women find themselves fighting for their own lives amidst the revelry of an out of control graduation party.

Based on the original screenplay, Seven Sisters, this modern tale of revenge served icily cold echoes the original’s mix of horror and humor while creating a fresh take on terror uniquely its own.”

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos credited to Michael Desmond and Summit Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Sorority_Row_01: (Left to right) Briana Evigan, Rumer Willis, Leah Pipes and Jamie Chung star in Sorority Row.
Sorority_Row_02: (Left to right) Audrina Partridge, Leah Pipes, Jamie Chung, Briana Evigan, Rumer Willis and Margo Harshman star in Sorority Row.
Sorority_Row_03: (Left to right) Audrina Partridge, Leah Pipes, Jamie Chung, Briana Evigan, Rumer Willis and Margo Harshman star in Sorority Row.
Sorority_Row_04: (Left to right) Jamie Chung, Briana Evigan and Rumer Willis star in Sorority Row.
Sorority_Row_05: Rumer Willis stars in Sorority Row.
Sorority_Row_06: Briana Evigan stars in Sorority Row.
Sorority_Row_07: Leah Pipes stars in Sorority Row.
Sorority_Row_08: Jamie Chung stars in Sorority Row.
Sorority_Row_09: Caroline D’Amore stars in Sorority Row.
Sorority_Row_10: Margo Harshman stars in Sorority Row.
Sorority_Row_11: Rumer Willis and Director Stewart Hendler on the set Sorority Row.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Video: Movie Trailer For ‘Sorority Row’ From ‘Twilight’ Production Firm Summit Entertainment

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:24:24 -0600

CHICAGO – Starting today, you’ll be seeing a wide array of the latest movie trailers, movie clips, viral videos and much more video at HollywoodChicago.com. To mark our launch into video, we present you with the movie trailer for the upcoming film “Sorority Row” from “Twilight” production company Summit Entertainment.

“Sorority Row,” which is directed by Stewart Hendler and stars Briana Evigan, Leah Pipes, Rumer Willis, Jamie Chung, Margo Harshman and Julian Morris, is slated to hit theaters on Oct. 2, 2009. Watch the new trailer for the film below!

Here is the “Sorority Row” plot description:

“Sorority Row” sees a group of sorority sisters try to cover up the death of their house sister after a prank gone wrong only to be stalked by a serial killer.

Watch more HollywoodChicago.com-hosted A&E videos.
Watch more movie videos on HollywoodChicago.com hosted elsewhere.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

2009 Summit Pictures Preview: ‘New Moon,’ ‘Push,’ ‘Knowing,’ ‘The Brothers Bloom,’ ‘Sorority Row,’ ‘Astro Boy,’ More

BrianTT — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:54:27 -0700

CHICAGO – Summit Pictures sent over release dates, cast & crew, and synopsis information for their entire 2009 slate and even included a few available images for their upcoming slate.

The 2009 Summit films with available production stills include “Push,” “Knowing,” “Next Day Air,” “The Brothers Bloom,” “Sorority Row,” and “Astro Boy”. 2009 pictures without images released yet but with film information below include “The Hurt Locker,” “Bandslam,” and “New Moon,” the highly anticipated sequel to “Twilight”.

“Push”
Release date: February 6, 2009
Cast: Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle, and Djimon Hounsou
Directed by: Paul McGuigan
Written by: David Bourla
Synopsis: A riveting action-thriller, Push burrows deep into the deadly world of psychic espionage where artificially enhanced paranormal operatives have the ability to move objects with their minds, see the future, create new realities and kill without ever touching their victims. Against this setting, a young man (Chris Evans) and a teenage girl (Dakota Fanning) take on a clandestine agency in a race against time that will determine the future of civilization.

“Knowing”
Release date: March 20, 2009
Cast: Nicholas Case, Rose Byrne, and Chandler Canterbury
Directed by: Alex Proyas
Written by: Ryne Douglas Pearson, Richard Kelly, Juliet Snowden, Stiles WHite, Stuart Hazeldine, and Alex Proyas
Synopsis: Academy Award® Winner Nicolas Cage (National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Leaving Las Vegas) stars in KNOWING, a gripping action-thriller of global proportions about a professor who stumbles on terrifying predictions about the future—and sets out to prevent them from coming true. His increasingly desperate efforts take him on a heart-pounding race against time until he finds himself facing the ultimate disaster—and the ultimate sacrifice.

“The Hurt Locker”
Release date: Spring 2009
Cast: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Ralph Fiennes, and Guy Pearce
Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow
Written by: Mark Boal
Synopsis: When a new sergeant, James, takes over a highly trained bomb disposal team amidst violent conflict, he surprises his two subordinates, Sanborn and Eldridge by recklessly plunging them into a deadly game of urban combat. As the men struggle to control their wild new leader, the city explodes into chaos, and James’ true character reveals itself in a way that will change each man forever.

“Next Day Air”
Release date: May 8, 2009
Cast: Donald Faison, Mike Epps, Wood Harris, Omari Hardwick, Emilio Rivera, Darius McCrary, Cisco Reyes, and Mos Def
Directed by: Benny Boom
Written by: Blair Cobb
Synopsis: Life isn’t going smoothly for Leo Jackson. He still lives at home, he just broke up with his girlfriend and he’s had so many complaints about his sloppy work habits that his own mother is threatening to fire him. But Leo isn’t one to let a few bad breaks ruins his day—as long as he’s got plenty of weed to take his mind off his troubles. But when the wacked-out courier accidentally delivers a box containing 10 kilos of high quality cocaine to the wrong apartment, it sets in motion a hilarious and harrowing chain of events that could cost him his life.

“The Brothers Bloom”
Release date: May 15, 2009 (limited); May 29, 2009 (wide)
Cast: Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rinko Kikuchi, and Robbie Coltrane
Written and Directed by: Rian Johnson
Synopsis: The Brothers Bloom are the best con men in the world, swindling millionaires with complex scenarios of lust and intrigue. Now they’ve decided to take on one last job - showing a beautiful and eccentric heiress the time of her life with a romantic adventure that takes them around the world.

“Bandslam”
Release date: July 31, 2009
Cast: Alyson Michalka, Vanessa Hudgens, Gaelen Connell, and Lisa Kudrow
Written and Directed by: Todd Graff
Synopsis: When gifted singer-songwriter Charlotte Banksasks new kid in town Will Burton to manage her fledgling rock band, she appears to have just one goal in mind: go head-to-head against her egotistical musician ex-boyfriend at the biggest event of the year, a battle of the bands. Against all odds, their band develops a sound all its own with a real shot at success in the contest. When disaster strikes, it’s time for the band to make a choice: Do they admit defeat, or face the music and stand up for what they believe in?

“Sorority Row”
Release date: October 2, 2009
Cast: Briana Evigan, Leah Pipes, Rumer Willis, Jamie Chung, Audrine Partridge, and Carrie Fisher
Directed by: Stewart Hendler
Written by: Josh Stolberg & Peter Goldfinger
Synopsis: When five sorority girls inadvertently cause the murder of one of their sisters in a prank gone wrong, they agree to keep the matter to themselves and never speak of it again, so they can get on with their lives. This proves easier said than done, when after graduation a mysterious killer goes after the five of them and anyone who knows their secret.

“Astro Boy”
Release date: October 23, 2009
Cast: Freddie Highmore, Nicolas Cage, Kristen Bell, Nathan Lane, Bill Nighy, Eugene Levy, Matt Lucus, and Donald Sutherland
Directed by: David Bowers
Written by: Timothy Harris
Synopsis: Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist. Powered by positive “blue” energy, Astro Boy is endowed with super strength, x-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly. Embarking on a journey in search of acceptance, Astro Boy learns the joys and emotions of being human, and gains the strength to embrace his destiny. Ultimately learning his friends and family are in danger, Astro Boy marshals his awesome super powers and returns to Metro City in a valiant effort to save everything he cares about and to understand what it takes to be a hero.

“New Moon”
Release date: November 20, 2009
Cast: Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson
Directed by: Chris Weitz
Written by: Melissa Rosenberg
Synopsis: Bella Swan is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love, Edward Cullen but her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with the irresistible Jacob Black. Suddenly she finds herself drawn into the world of the werewolves, ancestral enemies of the vampires, and finds her loyalties tested.

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos credited to Summit Pictures.

AstroBoy: “Astro Boy”
Knowing01: Nicolas Cage in “Knowing”.
Knowing02: Nicolas Cage in “Knowing”.
Knowing03: Nicolas Cage in “Knowing”.
Knowing04: Nicolas Cage and Rose Byrne in “Knowing”.
Knowing05: Poster for “Knowing”.
NextDayAir: “Next Day Air”.
Push1: Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning in “Push”.
Push2: Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning in “Push”.
Push3: Dakota Fanning and Djimon Hounsou in “Push”.
Push4: Djimon Hounsou and Camilla Belle in “Push”.
Push5: Poster for “Push”.
SororityRow: “Sorority Row”.
BrothersBloom01_2: Rachel Weisz in “The Brothers Bloom”.
BrothersBloom02_0: Adrien Brody in “The Brothers Bloom”.
BrothersBloom03_2: Adrien Brody in “The Brothers Bloom”.
BrothersBloom04_2: Rachel Weisz in “The Brothers Bloom”.

Read our Taylor Lautner casting story for “New Moon”.
Read our Robert Pattinson story on “Parts Per Billion” and “New Moon”.
See our high-quality, 28-image “Twilight” slideshow.
Read our “Twilight” opening-weekend box-office story.
Read our “Twilight” sequel story prior to opening weekend.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com