Elisha Cuthbert

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THE GIRL NEXT DOOR
03/25/2004

Maxim's Hottest Woman of the Year for 2003 is now starring in one of her most complex roles, with a movie due out April 9. Elisha Cuthbert, siren and star of "The Girl Next Door," and award-winning actress on the dramatic series "24" speaks about her experiences in a starring role. In this interview, Cuthbert speaks candidly about her experiences playing a porn star, co-starring with Emile Hirsch and her future endeavors as a rising sex symbol and full-time actress.

Editor's note: This interview took place as a conference call between several writers including Weekend writer Patrice Worthy.

Q: How did "The Girl Next Door" differ from your other movies?

A: "I am used to playing on a drama that involves real-life issues like death and pregnancy, so being in a movie where I have to be funny all the time was challenging and different. At the time I was filming "The Girl Next Door," I also had to be on the set of "24," so it was a challenge going from a dramatic set to playing a porn star. I would come to the set of "24" with my costume from "The Girl Next Door" on and everyone would be like, 'Whoa!'"

Q: What was the most challenging part of playing Danielle?

A: "Well, I picked the role because it was challenging. I have never played a character like Danielle before, and the transformation she makes from being 'the girl next door' to Athena, the porn star, is a real challenge. She goes from being normal to this out-there girl in nails, a wig and boots."

Q: Were there any inhibitions you had to let go of to play the role in "The Girl Next Door?"

A: "I had to definitely begin to let my guard down. I researched the role by talking with some porn stars, and asking them what (making a porn movie) was like. I realized you have to be very self-confident to be a porn star, and I had to let go of some of my own stereotypes about porn stars and their feelings. I learned the porn industry is a huge industry and lots of people are making money. It's crazy! Luckily for me, this girl was not happy with her life, so that made it easier on me."

Q: Why didn't you do a nude scene in the movie?

A: "When I took the role, I had a meeting with the director and I told him I would do the movie, but I would not do a nude scene. I felt it was unnecessary in the movie, and I really wanted to develop the role. It made me really proud because to go to a director and say I am not doing a nude scene in a movie about porn is crazy."

Q: Do you think as you get older your views on nudity will change?

A: "I know as girls get older their body image changes. I'm not saying I don't feel secure enough to do one now, but I don't see myself doing a nude scene in the future. It is not something I want to do."

Q: How do you feel about being voted Maxim's Hottest Woman of the Year?

A: "Oh my God, it is crazy. When I found out I thought it was great, but it is going to take some getting used to."
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