Juliette Lewis: The Movieline Interview

Let's talk about your music. Can you describe what the rush of performing live in front of a cheering crowd means to you?

Well it's not just about the crowd, but it's about my relationship to the music. Because I wrote it, so it's my relationship to my own songs, and what I'm putting out to people. Exposing my heart and soul. I'm working with all these primal energies. The sound is blues, moody, psychedelic. Some songs are really celebratory, really invigorating. I have a relationship to the sounds and rhythm -- especially in this album, Terra Incognita -- because I worked hand in hand with the producer, who's from The Mars Volta. His name is Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and he's kind of a genius.

But to answer your question, that live exchange with the audience, it's kind of what I live for and relish. I really just attack the hearts of every single person in that space. I don't allow people to be innocent bystanders. A live show is an interactive medium. If I'm going to give something up, so are you. And people do! That's what's so wonderful.

Have you learned anything from Chrissie Hynde from your months on the road with her?

I learned what you re-learn over and over. Just be true to yourself, trust your instincts, develop your own voice and through time, you can and will and should endure. It's like when I met Patti Smith as well -- I love seeing people that stay true to their own convictions. And unlike more superficial mediums, you could live and breathe in that zone for quite a period of time. I don't mind seeing the Stones in their 50s and 60s. It's been a real honor and privilege and I really felt moved to be invited along with her on this tour.

You just shot Sympathy for Delicious, Mark Ruffalo's directorial debut. How did that go?

I have to go on record saying he's my favorite actor of the last decade. It was a very profound experience working with him as an actor and he as my director. It was a part I was scared of.

Why?

Because it's really dark. It's riddled with potential cliches. It's almost like booby traps. You know, because she's a drug addict, a bass player in a band.

Are you worried that it might be a step backwards from places you wanted to get away from, as far as how people perceive you?

Oh no, not at all. Because I'm a character actor, and every character I do is going to be different. If I'm playing in a dark realm, it's primal colors and energies -- your blacks, your purples, your reds. But she's not similar to anything else I've ever done. So that was really awesome to work with him -- a very special experience in a really small film.

Then after that I did a cameo in a Hilary Swank movie called Betty Anne Waters. She was based on a true character that convicted her brother. That was another role that was super dark, super raw. But from there I did The Baster, which was a colorful, broad comedy with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman. So that's my style. I like diversity, I'm not big on repetition, and I like characters.

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