Hollywood had better be prepared for the rise of Gemma Arterton. The theater-turned-film actress has already proven she can kick some action hero butt like 007, and already has two British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominations under her belt. For a girl whose resume is only beginning, that's pretty darn impressive. Oh, and not to mention, she's absolutely stunning.
Avon made a good call in making her the face of its beauty line. Her flawlessly fair skin is almost as famous as her acting ability, and she makes good use of both in her latest film, Byzantium. Arterton plays Clara, a hyper-sexual vampire trying to outrun her 200-year history. Arterton's personal history doesn't run that deep, but it does extend into the theater world, where she hopes to end up after her stint in film is done (but that won't be for a long, long time). The girl's got talent, and her infectious personality could put her in the running to be our new BFF, but we won't jump the gun just yet — don't want to scare her off right away.
In Byzantium, your character uses a lot of sexuality and intensity to get her own way. Was that her antiquated view of a woman's options in the world (as opposed to Eleanor, who was much more upfront and honest), or do you think that is still a reality which women have to face?
“No, they don’t. They don’t have to do that at all. She does it because it’s what she knows; it’s her best trick. She knows how to manipulate men sexually. It was just something I decided was her strongest weapon. I think there are definitely women out there who use their sexuality to get what they want, but I don’t think it’s the way. I think having a brain is the best.”
Not to go back in time, but we have to ask: The sexual tension between you and Jake Gyllenhaal in Prince Of Persia was palpable. How was it working with him? How did you guys develop chemistry?
“Yeah, actually the last time I was in New York, we went for dinner. We hadn’t seen each other in a couple of years because he’s been away, and I’ve been away. I was so young when that filmed — 20 or 21. It was a strange time. It was quite a hard movie to make for the both of us, but since then we’ve been getting on really well. He’s just a really lovely guy. He’s very giving. I think he’s a proper actor. He was really sweet.”
What did you learn from him?
“Resilience. I think he’s very resilient, and detailed. Everything matters to him. He’s very attentive. He really takes everything into his own. He’s very responsible, and makes sure everything is right. I tend to be all over the place, and hippie-like, but he always stressed being attentive.”
Does this “hippie” kind of work ethic carry through into your personal style?
“No, I’m not hippie in personal style, but I guess I’m sort of airy. I tend to go with the flow a lot. Sometimes I can be a bit passive. I’m a bit of a contradiction: I’m passive, but very fiery. I started off in the theater, and I’m used to being more actor-y. Film is a lot different, there’s a lot more ego involved. Theater is about doing the right thing and having fun. It’s been a process finding out how it all works.”
Would you ever go back to theater?
“I always want to go back. I’ve always got my finger in the pies. I’m hopefully doing a musical next year, and also a play. I’ve tried to do a play every year, but you have to really, really commit to it. It’s quite hard. For me, my heart is in theater. I’ll always be primarily a theater actor. Film, this is what I’m doing for the moment. I’m doing it because I can, and the opportunities are there, but the theater is where I feel the happiest. My dream is to own my own theater. Ever since I moved to London, I found this theater that’s derelict in South London. I want to buy it and make it into my own theater. That’s my ultimate goal. I think I’m going to do it. I’ve got this feeling I’m going to do it. I want to be the head of my own theater and be an artistic director. That won’t be for a long time, though. I’ve got to finish all this film stuff.”
Photo: Courtesy of Patrick Redmond/IFC Films.
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