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I try to be open to make most of my experiences wonderful...
Interview with Carrie Ann Moss
By Dadi Rafnsson

Carrie Ann Moss shot to stardom as Trinity, the female lead in The Matrix. The Canadian-born actress has continued to seek action-oriented roles such as in The Red Planet, but this Christmas she could be seen in Lasse Hallstrom's Chocolat. She spoke to Dadi Rafnsson about that experience.

What initially attracted you to Chocolat?
First of all it is a beautiful, beautiful story and so well written. I was blown away by the script. And then I met Lasse Hallstrom who is one of my favorite directors to start with and one of the kindest people I have ever met. I just feel so lucky that they picked me for the part. I think when you see it you will see what I mean.

How different was it doing Chocolat from the sci-fi movies you've become known for?
Every movie is different, regardless of what kind of movie it is, a love story or a sci-fi movie. You are surrounded by different people and filming at different locations. This movie was such an enjoyable one to make, because first of all because we were in one of the most beautiful locations you could ever imagine. We filmed in France and England and the people were just wonderful to be around, really creative and Lasse Hallstrom is such an amazing director and a person. But I try to be open to make most of my experiences wonderful. For me every job has its own set of challenges and just because I have done a few sci-fi movies the characters are never the same...they are always different. The challenge in this script for instance has a certain dialect to work on and I have always dreamt of being in a beautiful, moving, heartfelt and stunning film and this is definitely a film like that.

Judi Dench plays your mom in the film...
Can you believe that?

What did you learn from working with her?
She is so incredible, one of my favorite actresses. I just learned from watching her in general but who knows what she does, she is just so brilliant at it. I guess what I learned mostly from her is what a great person she is, a warm and open person and to me it is much more interesting than whether she is a good actor or not.

Chocolate has a really strong cast. How was your experience working with all those acclaimed actors? Is it overwhelming or does it bring out the best in you?
You know, it depends on the day. Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench and Lena Olin are three of my favorite actresses so it was very exciting to be in their presence. But the one thing I really learned of the people I have worked with in the last few years of my career, is that people are people and just because they are famous it does not mean they are not like you and me. I learned a lot from all of them and feel really lucky to have worked with them. I admire them so much and when I saw the movie, I just sat there in awe, the performances are so strong.

Miramax had originally planned to release Chocolat in September as an Oscar contender. Did they ever interfere with production to make it more 'award-friendly'?
I never felt that for one minute. I think there are so many different entities that go towards making a film and the production side is definitely important but it really does not affect me as an actor. So I did not feel that at all.

How has your life changed since The Matrix?
My life has changed a lot and really for the better. First of all professionally where it has changed to such a degree that I now have opportunities which I never had before. For that I am super-grateful. My life could have changed and become really overwhelming with all the demands that come with what I do. But I really simplified everything to try to make it as normal and real as I can. So it is all good, it is everything I have ever dreamed of my whole life. But when you realize a dream you must set new ones.

What are your new dreams about?
Family, and just much simpler things. Quiet time, walks with my dog and basically much simpler things. My life is now much simpler than I think it has ever been.

Do you relate to your character, Caroline?
I love that character because of the things that happened to her in life, she protected her heart from being open. She really controlled her life in such a way that she could not be hurt again. Yet she was really able to have a transformation. I think we can all relate to moments when we feel a little beat up by life or feel like we cannot be open. I try to be open but sometimes I struggle so I can relate to that.

What did you think about her trying to separate her son from her mother?
Oh, I could never do that but I could understand from her point of view why she would do that. It was just too painful for her. Everything she does in keeping her mother from her child is based on her own fears. She builds walls around her heart so that she cannot get hurt. So I understand that and have empathy for that but I would never do that. (Laughs) My mom is sitting right here next to me and I could never do that to you mom.

When does filming for Matrix 2 and 3 begin and do you have any other upcoming things on your plate?
I will not start shooting that until March. It will go on for about a year and a half of shooting. So I do not have anything else than The Matrix. Besides living my life it will take up everything. You have to know that for that movie I trained for six months...and now I am training for six months again. It is certainly not something that comes easy but it is fun. I have been training for a couple of months just to get in shape and now we are all training together to learn all the action stuff, endurance stuff, flexibility and martial arts. I feel lucky to be a part of The Matrix and I believe in it very much.

Can you tell us anything about the script for that?
Nope...my lips are sealed(laughs). Sorry. I wish I did not know it at all because then I would have that surprise ahead of me.

You obviously have the sequels to The Matrix coming up but do you plan for more movies like Chocolat in the future or more action roles?
I have to be honest and say that I never planned to have a career like I have had. I never particularly planned to do big action movies and I would love to do more movies like Chocolat. But I am open to everything and as I work more I realize more what sort of stories I am attracted to. Like from working on this movie, I now know that I want to work with people like Lasse Hallstrom who is not only a brilliant filmmaker and a great director but also a wonderful person. In his presence I felt so safe and I trusted him so much. When you meet people that you have that kind of a connection with it is definitely worth waiting for. It is just like in love, it is worth waiting for a person you feel so connected with. You know, my career just sort of happened to me. I have been working so hard for such a long time but my success came with The Matrix and everything changed. I had been acting for ten years but now after The Matrix is done I think I will just take my time a little bit more. I get asked these questions all the time and they make me wonder whether I think about my career enough (laughs). The parts I have played, such as Trinity or the one in Red Planet, have been strong women that are action oriented. I think that is great and I enjoyed. I never thought I would do those parts but I feel lucky to have done so. I certainly do not just want to have an action career but if that were to be so then I would be grateful.

Did you ever expect the success of The Matrix?
I knew it would be an amazing movie and that people were really going to respond to it. There was just this energy around it, but I also tried to detach myself as much as possible from the outcome. So it was truly a surprise and it continues to be so because people still come up to me and talk to me about the different principles of that movie. I knew it would be successful...I just did not know to what extent.

How does it feel like having your own action figure?
It is almost surreal. I got one for free and I gave it to my mom. But I cannot seem to find it anywhere in stores. All I have seen is this one in a store once and I bought it for my husband. The lady asked me whether I thought he had a crush on her and I replied, 'Yes I think he does'. (Laughs)