NST interview 2009.

Symbol of a modern fairy tale
British actress Emma Watson progresses from beautiful witch of Harry Potter fame to the sweetest princess.

KNOWN for her role as Hermoine in the Harry Potter films, 18-year-old Emma Watson lent her sweet voice as Princess Pea for her first animated movie The Tale of Despereaux, currently showing in cinemas nationwide.

The movie, based on a popular children’s book by Kate DiCamillo (Because of Winn Dixie) tells a story about a tiny mouse Despereaux Tilling, who is born with huge ears.

An inspiring tale of bravery, redemption, love, good, evil and the power of dreams, it is directed by Rob Stevenhagen and Sam Fell, based on a screenplay by its producer Gary Ross, who was attracted to the book’s theme on humanity.

Below is an interview with Watson, courtesy of United International Pictures.
Q: Was it Despereaux himself who attracted you to the movie or was it the idea of working on your first animated feature?
A: I really loved the script, and the story. I especially liked the strong moral messages in this particular story. Also, the cast is incredible since it has so many talented actors.I am so lucky to be involved with this production.

Q: Can you describe your character in the movie, Princess Pea?
A: Princess Pea is the daughter of the King. She is very lonely and desperate because her mother has just died. Despereaux comes along to cheer her up and becomes her friend.

Q: From a beautiful witch, Hermione, to the sweetest Princess Pea, you are the symbol of a modern fairy tale. Is it difficult to keep up with it?
A: Yes, it is difficult. However, I think it is every girl’s dream to play a princess. It is amazing. I can take that one off my list (laughs).

Q: Princess Pea is a fairy tale princess, but also a teenager. What did you bring to the character from your experiences as a teenager?
A: Well, as a teenager you often feel very restricted in doing things. Your parents and other individuals in a position of authority sometimes limit what you can do. This is particularly relevant for me.

Q: The Tale of Despereaux and Ballet Shoes are the only two non-Harry Potter projects you have been working on. How did it feel?
A: It was really nice to talk about and work on something else. It was nice to do an animated film because I have not done one before.
I think that Harry Potter has been an enormous part of my life. I do feel like I am a part of the story and that the story is a part of me.

Q: Would you like to continue working in animated movies?
A: Yes, but I think I would like to move on. I would love to do another animated film, but I feel like it would be difficult to be so passionate about a film like I was with Despereaux. Despereaux has a beautiful animation style that is very unique and rich. It is very detailed and gorgeous.

Q: There are timeless messages in the story: forgiveness, bravery, love. Which one is dearest to you?
A: There are so many! I loved Miggery Sow’s story with Princess Pea where Migg really wants to be a real princess, but she is a princess in her father’s eyes at the end of the story.
I loved the message that every girl is a princess to whomever loves her, whether it be her boyfriend, brother, father figure, etc. I think that was really sweet.

Q: How was working with Sigourney Weaver, Dustin Hoffman and Matthew Broderick?
A: I was overwhelmed when I attended the press conference with Matthew Broderick on my left, and Dustin Hoffman and Sigourney Weaver on my right. I was in awe!
I would say that having the opportunity to be surrounded by such talent is something you dream about as a child. As an actress, it is amazing to be in the presence of such a prestigious and well established cast.

Q: In 2003, at the BAFTA tribute to Julie Walter, you said: “It’s completely surreal to be famous”. Five years later is it still the same?
A: Yes, it is. I feel like I am more used to the fame than I was in the past, but it is still a peculiar experience.

Q: How is it that British young actors and actresses manage to keep a low profile while Hollywood ones seem to struggle with the pressure that fame brings along?
A: I think there are different attitudes in the business.
In England actors are not put on a pedestal as much as they are in Hollywood, which seems to help.
London has a much smaller film industry, whereas in Los Angeles it’s massive. Los Angeles is completely dedicated to film, and it is hyped up a lot more.
The pressure of fame is something very hard to deal with, and I understand what it is like for many stars to deal with the pressure that fame often brings.
I sympathise with them because acting can bring about with it intrusion into your private life. The curiosity gets to a point where it gets so intense that it can be overwhelming.
For example, with Harry Potter, it seemed as though everywhere I went people recognised me. I guess it is all something that comes with being an actress or an actor. However, I do not think it is as bad in England as it is in Los Angeles.

Q: What do you think you mean to your fans? And what would you like to represent for them?
A: I bring to life a very much-loved fictional character, and so the fans have a lot of affection for the stories and the characters.
Hopefully, my fans also have this sort of affection for me as well. I hope they respect me as an actress and that they think that I work hard and do my job well.

Q: You described yourself as “a bit of a feminist”. What do you exactly mean?
A: I feel as though this term is a bit limiting. However, I am quite competitive and determined. I would say that I am a very driven person.

Q: What will you take with you after your experience working on Despereaux?

A: I loved the moral messages in it, and I learned a lot from working on it. I have worked with some amazing people. Overall, it has been a positive experience.