Film Gecko Exclusive: Interview with Alexis Raben of Miss March

April 4, 2009 by Jane Boursaw

Alexis Raben is currently heating up movie screens as a hot lesbian in "Miss March," co-starring in the sex-romp comedy with Zach Cregger and Trevor Moore. But you might be surprised to learn that she initially wanted to be a director. Read on for my exclusive interview with the star …

JANE: You created your first short film at the School of Visual Arts in New York when you were in high school. Is it your goal to be a filmmaker and/or director?

ALEXIS: It was originally my goal to be a director. I studied film at college and was beginning to pursue a directing career. Then there came a point where I felt limited in my skills in directing actors, and decided that experiencing their job first-hand would help me understand how to better facilitate actors’ performances and become a better director.

JANE: You really hadn’t done a lot of roles before landing a supporting role in 2007’s "The Invasion" with Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig. What was it like scoring such a cool role?

ALEXIS: It was a great time. In addition to the stars you already listed, I was also very excited to be working with the director, Oliver Hirschbiegel, whose work I’d been a fan of.

JANE: Talk about your role in "Miss March." You play a pretty awesome lesbian! Is that weird?

ALEXIS: I think my character is pretty hysterical. I’m particularly fond of her exclusive and unwavering focus on her girlfriend, her unapologetic lust, and her obliviousness to men and the rest of the world around her. The over-the-top comedic style of the film made playing such a highly sexual character easier and fun.

JANE: Prior to "Miss March," you had done darker roles. Was it fun getting to play comedy? Which is harder: drama or comedy?

ALEXIS: I couldn’t make such a distinction. Often in drama you have to go to difficult and dark places, which of course can have an impact on you off set as well as on. That can be a challenge, but a challenge we actors usually welcome with open arms. Comedy, on the other hand, can lend itself to a more pleasant and fun work experience. But one must not underestimate the great precision and focus comedy can require. Is it a cop out to say that I deeply enjoy both, though perhaps in slightly different ways?

JANE: Do you think "Miss March" will appeal to Judd Apatow fans?

ALEXIS: Hard to say … But I imagine that "Miss March" may appeal to a younger audience.

JANE: Which actors and/or directors would you love to work with?

ALEXIS: I keep coming across new interesting and talented people every day … But if I look back, these are some of the directors that I’ve always dreamed of working with: Woody Allen, Mike Nichols, Francis Ford Coppola, Stephen Frears … So many actors, too, but if we’re going for dream-come-true: Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Sean Penn, Daniel Day-Lewis …

Thinking back to your previous question, I would also love to find myself in a Judd Apatow movie.

JANE: Would you like to venture into TV roles? Any shows you love?

ALEXIS: Absolutely! I think TV has grown so interesting in the last several years. I must admit I don’t get to keep up with as many TV shows as I’d like. For years, my all-time favorite was "The West Wing." I would love to do something like that. Some of the ones I’ve enjoyed more recently are "Mad Men," "House," "Weeds," "30 Rock," and "Californication." I’m also looking forward to Edie Falco’s upcoming show "Nurse Jackie."

JANE: What’s up next for you?

ALEXIS: There are a few interesting things brewing. But, unfortunately, nothing is fully settled yet, so I must hold off from talking about it for now.

Note: "Outlanders," featuring Alexis Raben (below) and Jakub Tolak, is available on DVD April 6, 2009. Buy it on Amazon.com.