Hermosa Beach News

Actress makes film debut with DiCaprio

Catch her if you can

by Robb Fulcher

Less than a decade ago native Hermosan Geri Mars, an actress by training, was working behind the scenes of the entertainment industry as a publicist. Chasing her dream in true Hollywood fashion, she can now be found in front of the cameras creating a buzz of her own.

The recent release of Steven Spielberg's latest film, "Catch Me If You Can" starring Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio, marks Mars' first appearance in a major motion picture. Although hers is a minor role, Mars is nonetheless happy about her silver screen debut.

"All of my scenes are with Leo DiCaprio," beamed the tall, 30-something, leggy brunette in an interview shortly before the movie’s release. "I have no idea how the film was edited. So mine could very well wind up being a blink-and-you'll-miss-me part, or I could be featured prominently."

A period piece about wanted impostor Frank W. Abagnale Jr., “Catch Me If You Can” is set in the early to mid-1960s and coincidentally used the Redondo Beach Elks Lodge as one of its locations. Mars was "picture picked" by DreamWorks casting directors who felt that her versatile looks made her perfect for her three-scene role.

"Apparently DiCaprio's character is not the only one assuming multiple identities," Mars said. "I was cast as a bank employee who becomes a hotel patron and an airline passenger.

"I asked if I could play a cross-dressing soldier who is launched into space, gets stranded on an island and builds a shrimp empire, but that part was already taken by Hanks," Mars added with a laugh.

Filming in Los Angeles during a cold spell in early 2002, Mars found herself working under challenging conditions. Costumed only in "Barbara Hale hair, a Jackie O. dress, Eva Gabor pumps and my mother's makeup," Mars said she had to flex her acting muscles to portray "believable comfort."

"Spielberg is a stickler for detail when it comes to the look of his characters," Mars said. "I was fitted in period wardrobe right down to my underwear — tight hose, a girdle, and a bullet bra so pointy it could put out someone's eye.

"No kidding," she said. "Cone-shaped falsies were inserted into the tips of the cups. I felt like a Madonna sausage."

According to Mars, the lethal chest-wear became a running gag among female cast members, some of whom would sneak up behind fellow actors and jab them in the ribs in stickup fashion. The occasional fun between takes helped them to keep their minds off the shivery temperatures and boosted morale during 14-hour workdays.

"I got so wrapped up in performing that I forgot that I was freezing," Mars said. "We probably didn't need the cones."

Mars studied acting at Redondo Union High School, El Camino College, Cal State Fullerton, UCLA and The Larry Moss Studio. An experienced scriptwriter, she has written two short films, employee safety and training videos for Universal Studios and Theme Park in Hollywood, and more than 30 episodes of the educational TV series "Spelling Plus."

She is writing her first feature length screenplay, a film she plans to produce and star in.

Although a rookie by industry standards, in the past year Mars has amassed an impressive list of credits, including small roles in more than 15 television programs and appearances in the upcoming films "Bad Santa," starring John Ritter and Billy Bob Thornton, "The United States of Leland," boasting Ryan Gosling, Kevin Spacey and Lena Olin; and the Coen Brothers' oddball comedy about marriage and divorce lawyers "Intolerable Cruelty," with Catherine Zeta-Jones and George Clooney.

So, what was it like working with DiCaprio?

"Don't get me wrong," Mars said, "He's a smart, wonderful, friendly guy — very playful — and a brilliant actor. But I really wanted to work with Christopher Walken."

Maybe next time. ER