The ugly truth - Interview

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HIGHLIGHT - Interview for BLOGSICILIA NEWSPAPER

THE UGLY TRUTH INTERVIEW

14 Nov. 2010 - Last week I “took a trip” to Hollywood, but only metaphorically speaking, because I had a lovely conversation with Nicole Eastman, the successful author and screenwriter (together with Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith) of the romantic comedy “The Ugly Truth”, starring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler, now on dvd.

The extremely courteous and friendly Eastman answered my questions about American Cinema explaining from the writer’s point of view.

“How did you come up with the story for “The Ugly Truth?”

I came up with the idea for “The Ugly Truth” after deciding that I wanted to tell an updated version of those classic romantic comedies from the 1930s and 40s, with Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. In those old films, there was always a lot of sparring between the leads, creating a palpable sexual tension. Even if the outcome was predictable, you were glued to your seat because you were dying to see these two antagonists finally fall in love.

Did you send the story to some producers and they contacted you? How did it happen?

I was very fortunate at the time to have a two-picture deal at Warner Bros. The executive, Jeff Robinov, read a writing sample of mine and offered me the opportunity to write two projects for him at the studio. I pitched him the idea of The Ugly Truth and he liked it immediately.

Do you think Hollywood cinema (and in particular Hollywood rom coms) are going through a crisis in terms of fresh and new ideas? Why nowadays is it so difficult to see a very well-done romantic comedy?

I think some romantic comedies are very weak because the writers/producers/studio executives of those films don’t understand the basic rules of the genre. They place too much emphasis on a “high-concept.” This means they are more focused on the outlandish or unusual set-up of the story than the story itself. As evidenced by the enormous success of simple, yet charming and funny, romantic comedies, like 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' or 'When Harry Met Sally', what audiences really want are great characters, witty dialogue and a satisfying romance. Although many romantic comedies of late have failed at the box office, I believe the genre will always endure. It’s pure escapism for women and, particularly in difficult times, we really need them.

“What does it take to make a successful story people can relate to?”

I think the most important elements of a successful story (in the genre of romantic comedy) are characters that audiences can identify with, or at least personal struggles that resonate with the masses. If you want a story to work, you also have to make sure that what occurs between the two characters — on an emotional level — is believable. So even if some of the scenes are heightened or farcical, you never betray your characters emotional truths.

Please tell us a few words about Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler. Did you have the chance to meet them?

I met both Gerard Butler and Katherine Heigl at the premiere of the film. They were both as gracious and charming as one would hope. And Gerard is even sexier in person, if you can believe it!

Thank you so much Nicole, it was a real pleasure talking to you!