From "Harry Potter" to "The Hunger Games," Hollywood always faces a challenge when it comes to adapting bestselling books into two-hour feature films. And by a challenge, of course, we mean the frothing micro-scrutiny of a million rabid fans who have some very specific ideas about what you should and should not do when bringing their beloved literary characters to life on the big screen.
But if you've ever sat in the darkening theater, clutching your popcorn and praying to the gods of All Things Film-Related, "Please, Celluloid Gods, please let them NOT HAVE SCREWED THIS UP!"... well, guess what, Emma Stone knows just how you feel. Even when, as with "The Help," she's actually in the movie.
As an actress, she said, "When you read the book, you have a vision of those characters too. So not only are you saying, 'How am I going to play that character... but who's gonna play Celia?' Because I love Celia, and if she's played wrong, I'm going to be so mad."
Oh yeah. This girl gets it. And, she added, "I definitely understand being protective of the characters and the material."
Of course, getting to be a part of the movie-making process for one of your favorite books is a pretty sweet gig—which brings us to the next question: How do Emma and her "The Help" co-star Bryce Dallas Howard choose which films to act in?
Bryce cracked up, saying, "When someone casts me! Everyone thinks it's a choice!"
But while we take a moment to be profoundly grateful that, unlike professional actors, we don't have to re-apply for our careers of choice every six months, Emma offers some insight.
"It depends on the time in your life, kind of, too. There are characters I've played before that I can't imagine being able to play now—I don't know if I'd be able to get to that same place—and vice-versa."
Fair enough. But listen, Emma? We're just saying, we love "The Help." And if it's played wrong...well, you understand. YES YOU DO.
Do you have high hopes for "The Help"?
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