I had the opportunity to speak with Alicia Silverstone who plays the aforementioned mother Tammy.
Angels in Stardust gets released this Friday.
CH: What originally drew you to this movie?
AS: I was really interested in playing Tammy; the character was so complex and interesting. She was different than anything I had ever done before. I also really love coming of age stories I think this film has a unique take on that, and that kind of did it.
CH: Tammy is not exactly the greatest mother. Was that fun getting to play someone who was so selfish?
AS: On paper and in the film Tammy looks like a really bad mom, but what was so fun for me was finding what made her good. It would have been so easy to play her like I am a mean bitchy mom who is totally selfish. I found that what was fun was to play the struggle of her and she loves her children but her needs come first. She has all these needs and it’s a real struggle for her. I want to do these things for you but you’re in the way, and I need this. It was really fun.
CH: When she is trying to ship Vallie Sue off, she comes off like a real peach.
AS: Yeah but in her point of view, well yes your 100,000 percent right and what I think is so fun is that from her point of view, I have done so much for you. You’re alive, you have been fed for the last 15 years and you have a roof over your head and now don’t I get a minute? and I know once I get him wrapped around my finger I can bring you back in, but just give me a second.
CH: Do you think you would have been able to do this as well before you were a mother?
AS: I think so, I am sure there are elements that add to it. But yeah I think so. Who knows, it didn’t get done before then.
CH: What is harder for you? You have done work with Mamet on stage, you are an Author. What’s harder Stage, Screen, Mom, Author?
AS: Well being an Author is so involved, it’s so inspiring and so exciting and I know what I am writing about I feel so connected. It’s crucial that I do it but the day to day of it is excruciating. It can be, it just goes on and on and on. I am also a perfectionist. So I keep chiseling away till it’s perfect, but I also love it. I think the hardest thing is doing them all at the same time. Each thing is wonderful. It’s a very lucky problem to have. Being a mom is easy and . There are moments that are challenging but all and all he is the greatest thing ever and I love him so much and it’s such a joy. That’s my most important role I play and fulfilling. Acting I love it, Theater inspires me. I have gotten to work with David Mamet and Laura Linney on Broadway and that was so incredible. I have done three . Those experiences where every day I felt so clear that I was doing exactly what I should be doing. So fulfilled, inspired and turned on.
CH: Going to Broadway is that nerve wracking? What’s it like before you step on stage for the first time?
AS: The first time? Oh you’re going to die. I would scream constantly it’s so scary. But once you get passed, after opening night. You have two or three weeks of performances where sometimes you’re scared and sometimes you’re not, after opening night then your fine. Then I am over it, it’s not a big deal at all. Usually there is a show in front of friends, the invited dress and that is the worst. You can’t imagine how scared you are but then its fine.
CH: I saw you have a website called the kind life. What inspired you to create that? It’s so positive.
AS: Well thank you. The kind life was inspired because I wrote this book the kind diet. But there is so much more. I was trying to create communities for people, so whoever was touched or inspired by this book or this journey could come together. That’s what it is an amazing community of people who have been doing this lifestyle for so long, their ambassadors to help people who are new to it. They help each other, it is so positive. The first month people would write in saying this is the nicest place on the internet. No mean comments, it’s beautiful.
CH: I have tried to go vegan, I don’t eat beef or pork. I do dabble in poultry. What’s the best way for somebody to move into that lifestyle? Is it cold turkey? A gradual process?
AS: I am so happy for you and so excited to hear that you are on this journey. Good for you, it is awesome. The reason I wrote the kind diet was a wanted people to feel there was a safe place. If you read the book and at the end you are like, done I am going cold turkey that is great. Or you may be a different type of person who is terrified. And decide I can do this part or that part but not that part. What is special about the kind diet and the kind life is encouragement and acceptance. All change in the right direction is good change, and getting rid of labels of it. You could say I am trying hard to be a vegan and do the best I can rather than say I am not. It’s wonderful and empowering. You can feel amazing and not have all these health issues. Read the book it will give you what you need to know to make the best choices for yourself.
CH: You have another book coming out pretty soon don’t you?
AS: Yes I am in the final pass. I have to turn my last pass back in then it comes out in April. April 14th and it’s called the kind mama.
CH: What’s that going to entail?
AS: Yeah, thanks for asking. It’s all about being kind to yourself so you can be the most well nourished, healthiest woman you can be. This is specifically for women. So you can get pregnant with ease and have a blissful pregnancy. A sweet birth, the happiest healthiest baby and enjoy the most intimate love fest of your life with your little nugget. Being a mama requires every morsel of your being. It will help you fortify so you can be present for every moment. Women who are pregnant, these choices they make throughout the book will help them have an ailment free pregnancy. Free of all the icky stuff that we assume is unavoidable from hemorrhoids and swollen ankles to diabetes. And to know there are birth options and make the best choice that they can.
