I saw Trucker a year and a half ago at the Tribeca Film Festival in a big theatre with very few other people. As I left the movie I thought what a shame it was that so few people had seen this great and unexpected performance from Michelle Monaghan. Then the movie disappeared. Now it has resurfaced in a limited release in NYC.
Monaghan plays Diane Ford a long haul trucker who spends most of her time alone on the road. She makes all her own rules and seems to be happy with that until her past catches up with her and she is forced to deal with the 11 year old son who has been raised by his dad. The film deals with issues you never see in movies like what is it like for a woman who doesn’t want to raise her own kid, and the implications of that on the life of the child and the rest of the family.
Monaghan’s performance is going to get some notice, probably not an Oscar nomination, but maybe an Independent Spirit nod. Anne Thompson reported last week that the film has already been sent out to awards voters on DVD.
Michelle Monaghan answered a few questions (by email) about the film and her career.
Women & Hollywood: This is a very small and intimate movie. Why was it important for you to be a part of it?
Michelle Monaghan: The size or budget of Trucker did not matter to me, the story did. Diane Ford was a role of a lifetime. She really, truly is the woman next door. Unapologetic, honest, unsentimental and fierce. Those are qualities I don’t often see in other roles I read. I knew having the opportunity to play her would be very challenging and ultimately very fulfilling.
W&H: Writer/director James Mottern said this about you: “she plays to what’s between the words, to what’s not in the ink.” That’s a huge compliment. What to you was between the words?
MM: There was a lot of sub-text in this movie, as in life, I believe. We wanted to to SEE Diane’s journey - fear, frustration and heart. So often, acting can be complicated with so much dialogue but James really fought against that. He let the camera linger in those quiet moments and as a result you are able to discover who Diane really is. James Mottern is hands-down an actor’s director.
W&H: What’s the difference for you in making a small movie like this versus a big studio movie?
MM: Number one, making a small movie affords you more creative control and I don’t mean decision-making necessarily but I mean having accessibility to all the cast AND crew – people who help shape your character and your performance. Number two, when you make a movie for as few days and as little money as we did – $1.5 million in 19 days – it really is a labor of love. Everyone is there because they believe in it. They are not there for the money or the glory and there’s a great deal of camaraderie that comes from that. It is a very nurturing environment to be in as an actor, albeit fast-paced.
W&H: I love Diane because she is not your typical female film, she’s much more like a guy. Why don’t you think we see more women like Diane in films today?
MM: I don’t know and frankly, it’s depressing. I wish I knew the answer to that and I wish I was a writer.
W&H: You’ve worked with both female and male directors. Is there any difference to you?
MM: Nope, not necessarily. The only difference is that there are not enough female directors.
W&H: What are you working on next?
MM: I’m doing Todd Phillip’s new movie, Due Date. It’s a very funny comedy starring my old co-star Robert Downey, Jr. Can’t wait to work with him again. He’s the best!!!!
“W&H: I love Diane because she is not your typical female film, she’s much more like a guy. Why don’t you think we see more women like Diane in films today?”
This question bugs me. Sure, I’d love to see more diversified portrayals of women in film, but this question makes it sound like female characters that are “like men” (whatever that means) are somehow better.
First, Melissa you ask great questions! Seriously, there’s an art to that. Second, good answers from Monaghan. As soon as I heard about this film I wanted to see it.
I want to see this film now…looking to see if ti’s showing in L.A.