Interview with MK at the WSJ

Chen · Subject: Interview with MK at the WSJ Sat Jun 28, 2008 2:40 pm

WSJ: You play Union, a dreadlocked urban nymph, in the forthcoming film "The Wackness." How did the role come about?
Ms. Olsen: Like any other project, I went on the audition and got the part. When I read the script, I loved it. It had a heart to it and I thought the characters were really well written.

Can you tell me a little more about your character?
She's a young free spirit and she has a lot to learn. I think everybody has a phase they go through where they think they know a lot more than they do.

There's a scene where you and Ben Kingsley make out in a phone booth. What was it like being inside that phone booth with him during the shoot?
We shot it at three o'clock in the morning and so everyone was a bit delirious anyhow. He was so professional about it and made me feel so comfortable. He said, "Anything you don't feel comfortable about, let me know. You lead me."

Sony Classics
Mary-Kate Olsen and Ben Kingsley
You and your twin sister, Ashley, helm Dualstar Entertainment. What's your best piece of business advice?
Listen and don't act on impulse.

In the book you and your sister interviewed your biggest influences, including Diane von Furstenberg, Terry Richardson and Karl Lagerfeld. Who were you the most nervous about meeting?
I was just nervous going into every interview. I'd never interviewed anyone before. The process got easier as it went on....It's best not to have expectations going into it of what you want to get out of it. If you just listen, it'll happen, don't you agree?

It's hard not to jump in.
You have an idea of what you want to ask and then as somebody talks, it comes about in a natural way. It doesn't work if you go in having an agenda.

One last question. You and Ashley are fraternal twins but you look so much alike. What's the biggest physical difference?
Our eyes are different. Ashley's are rounder and mine are cat-eyed.