Actress Jena Malone Finds Her Own Showbiz Path

At 21, actress Jena Malone has a career that belies her age. Recently appearing as Lydia Bennet in the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice, she has also had pivotal roles in films such as Donnie Darko, Life As a House, The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys, Saved, Contact, and Cold Mountain. On television, she's appeared in numerous shows and even won a Golden Globe nomination for her role in the 1997 tv movie, Hope.

Calling from New York City, where she's currently appearing on Broadway in the Tony-winning play, "Doubt," Malone talked about her career and what drives her as an actress.

BellaOnline: You've had quite a career so far...how did it all start for you?

Jena Malone: My mom did a lot of community theater when I was younger and I just sort of followed in her footsteps. Then at nine, I auditioned for a student film and it went well, so I ended up moving to Los Angeles with my mom to get more serious about acting. I figured I'd give it maybe a year...and it's now been eleven years.

BellaOnline: Looking over your credits, it seems that you tend to take on roles that are not so mainstream. Is that something you're consciously looking for, or is that kind of what gravitates to you?

Jena: It's a mixture of both, really. It is what I look for...I love characters that have some real substance to them so I can dig into them. And by doing those roles, it ends up what I get offered to me with other projects.

BellaOnline: What drew you to the role of Lydia Bennet in Pride & Prejudice?

Jena: I really loved her spirit...and I really loved how all the women came together. They're sisters, but they're all unique in both themselves and how they related to each other. I actually sort of loved her and hated her at the same time. And I love feeling that way about a character I'm playing.

BellaOnline: Was it strange at 21 to be playing a 15-year old, which is Lydia's age in the film? How did you approach playing the character?

Jena: It was both strange and interesting...and tiring at times, trying to remember what I was like six years ago. (laughs) But I sort of found her essence through a giggle, which was a very interesting approach for me.

BellaOnline: Do you have a favorite memory from the Pride & Prejudice shoot?

Jena: It was a wonderful experience, but there was one day that we finished early and all of the cast and some of the crew just came outside and we played in the sunshine at the hotel we were staying at. It was nice being able to bond and relax with everybody that way.

BellaOnline: How do you feel about Keira's Oscar nomination for the movie?

Jena: Oh, I'm SO excited for her! I think it's wonderful and I hope she wins!

BellaOnline: Who or what influences you as an actress?

Jena: There's really too many people to list, but lately I've been obsessed with documentaries, especially the ones about confessions. I love the realism and the "in-the-moment" approach, and I find that's coming through in my work a bit.

BellaOnline: With an interest in documentaries, do you have an interest in the behind the scenes area of film, too?

Jena: Absolutely! Ever since I was younger, I've always been interested in the other non-acting stuff that goes on, on a set, from directing to the way a shot is lit.

BellaOnline: Do you find this knowledge helps you as an actress?

Jena: Yeah, definitely. It helps me have a greater respect for the whole process, and not just my part in it.

BellaOnline: You're currently acting on Broadway in "Doubt...is this something new for you?

Jena: Yes, it's my Broadway debut and it's glorious! It changes all the time and I love the energy.

BellaOnline: You've done film, tv and now, Broadway -- what would you like to accomplish next?

Jena: Honestly, I still feel like I'm trying to accomplish Broadway. I've only been doing it for two months and I really feel there is so much more to be learned.

BellaOnline: One last question...do you ever Google yourself to see what people are saying about you?

Jena: Oh my...I did it once and that's all you really need to do. (laughs)

A big thanks to Jena for taking time to talk on her one day off for the week. You can currently catch her onstage six days a week in "Doubt". For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.doubtonbroadway.com.

The Oscar-nominated Pride & Prejudice is available on dvd starting February 28, 2006.

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