Spider-Man 3's Bryce Dallas Howard recently sat down with the Associated Press to discuss her role as Gwen Stacy:
Q: How does "Spider-Man 3" compare to other films you've done?
BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD: It is supersized. Literally I would walk around the Sony lot ... and they took over the entire lot practically. I was really surprised because when I was on set with (Director) Sam (Raimi) and all the other actors, it felt so intimate and fun and playful. Then when I finally saw the movie I remembered again, "God, this is such a big movie." I can't believe it, because it didn't seem like a high-pressure situation. It seemed really relaxed and cool and like we were just making this movie.
Q: Are you a fan of superhero films?
HOWARD: I was really into this franchise in particular because although it is obviously this big film and there are these huge action sequences that are absolutely terrifying, it really is, at the end of the day, just a great character piece. Sam creates these really complex characters and there's a lot of humor in it as well. It's very, very funny, so it's an incredibly balanced film. It's terrifying, it's hilarious, it's emotional, it's beautiful.
Q: Are you at the point yet where you're giving your dad advice?
HOWARD: Oh God, no. Are you crazy? All the time I come up with these weird ideas or theories. I have all these theories about the industry or the future of storytelling, that kind of thing, so I'll talk to him about that, but no, that man needs no advice from me, trust me.
Q: Does he give you a lot of advice?
HOWARD: No, he's really great in that way. I mean, I ask him for advice sometimes, but he never gives unsolicited advice. He's always kind of letting us -- myself and my siblings -- find our own way, make our own mistakes and come to our own conclusions. He's pretty much the ideal parent.
Q: Are there any downsides to having such a famous father?
HOWARD: No. Sure, there have been times where there has been a bit of criticism and people say I'm only in this industry because he's in this industry and all that kind of stuff, but that's OK. I'm really grateful to have the father that I have and if I'm going to get that kind of criticism, I have to take it with a grain of salt. ... I feel so lucky to have parents who are so supportive. I know a lot of my friends who are actors, their parents don't quite understand ... whereas my parents ... know it's possible. That itself is such an advantage just knowing your parents believe in you.
Q: Is there a genre that appeals to you more than others?
HOWARD: No, I like doing it all because I have a lot to learn. I want to immerse myself in as many genres as possible and as many different industries as possible. I love the European film community, I love the independent film community. I love now, with "Spider-Man," being part of the more conventional Hollywood film community. So I just want to continue doing that and gathering as much information as possible and experiences as possible.
Q: How about a director you dream of working with?
HOWARD: I would love to work with my dad. I'm dying to work with my dad. We talk about it and I harass him about it. But I think eventually, if there is a role that's totally appropriate and perfect, I hope it would become a reality. I have a bit further to go, though.
