Rachel Bilson
Interview By: Jason Zencka
JasonZencka@TheCinemaSource.com
"Sometimes you just see somebody," Rachel Bilson offers, almost inquiringly, as an explanation for how her character in Tony Goldwyn's film The Last Kiss. can approach a non-single man at a wedding and make advances.
Makes sense. Ms. Bilson, who has spent the last few years gaining small-screen momentum on the WB show The O.C., certainly has experience being seen. Presumably, it was on the strength of this role and a single audition that she garnered herself a lead spot as the sunny object of Zach Braff's tryst in her big-screen debut this month. Sometimes, at least in her case, somebody's worth a second look.
Granted, Bilson is still a bit awestruck at her rise to semi-stardom. In the few minutes she spends at a press junket this week, her pronouncements tend toward either modesty or a timid, earnest speculation.
"I really want the roles that Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman and all these amazing actresses are offered' but I have to work my butt off to try to get' remotely close."
A comment like this may sound a bit petulant on paper, but Bilson's demeanor is gentle and matter-of-fact enough to nip any presumptions of indignation in the bud. Throughout the interview, she refers to co-star Braff as a friend and speaks of admiring other female actors in the business, mentioning at one point WB alumna Michelle Williams' recent Oscar nomination.
"It's important to look up to women and know who you want to emulate."
When pressed as to whether or not an Oscar is in her future, she gleefully responds, "Why not'" before deftly moving on to other issues, such as whether or not she would ever try a stint in music videos.
"Yeah," she assures us, "if it's for Bruce Springsteen."
Until then, Bilson seems to be happy with her place in life. She eagerly describes The Last Kiss as a "very serious" movie with jokes in it. This fall, she returns to the small-screen to reprise her role on The O.C., though she stresses that she's ready for another experience in film as soon as someone will take her.
"That's what life's about'" Ms. Bilson says, "experiences."
It's a good thing she thinks so. At this stage in game, with a hit television show and a piquant role astride Zach Braff, she's likely to have a few of those left in her career.
