Inspired by one of the first films she ever saw, Alfonso Cuarón's 1995 adaptation of the Frances Hodgson Burnett literary classic, A Little Princess, Trew Mullen is off to a roaring start as an actor. The NYC-based LA native also carves out more time for creativity in the form of writing. She has three screenplays she's worked on, including one based on OCD that 'manifests in the horror genre', and another, a disturbing exploration of the modeling industry. Writer-director Zoë Kravitz put together a dynamic ensemble cast for Blink Twice (Channing Tatum; Christian Slater; Geena Davis, Haley Joel Osment; Simon Rex), the film an impressive first for Kravitz, with Mullen a standout who hijacks many a scene as Heather. On the surface, Heather appears to be the ultimate bon vivant, so we wanted to hear about what's truly at the core of the character she describes as 'spiritual and empathic'. From what it was like to shoot scenes with a first time director to the sense of play on set, why she gave Heather that deliciously distinct voice, we talked to Trew about how, on Blink Twice, her greatest challenge became her purest joy, and more.
What was the cast and also the casting process like for Blink Twice? I can’t say enough about this cast. They are genuine angels on earth. I’m obsessed with Geena Davis' performance in The Fly. And Christian Slater's in Pump Up the Volume. I could go on. The casting process was originally a self-tape, which became a Zoom callback, which became a pin, which became... the longest few weeks of my life, waiting and praying to book it. I prayed to God every night. And then I would pray again, to Zoë. I told her that, later, on set, and she said 'Well it worked. I think you should pray to God more', to which I responded, 'I think I should pray to you more!'
What did you find to be pure joy, so fun...and what did you find to be challenging? I knew to transform into Heather I would have to let go of all self conscious behavior. I made some bold choices in the audition which meant I would have to be just as bold in order to experiment on set. With that challenge awaiting me in the Yucatán, I had no choice but to surrender. Heather brought out my own playful innocence which was not just embraced, but celebrated, by the rest of the cast. Everyone had a great sense of play. I define pure joy as when one is celebrated for being exactly oneself. So, I guess my answer is: my greatest challenge became my purest joy.
In working on this project with a first-time director, what kinds of organic discoveries were happening on set? Zoë [Kravitz] never over-shot anything, she let it be what it was. That was brave. I learned not to hold on too tightly to any idea of how I wanted something to be; to not become too precious. I also learned that it’s okay to ask for what I need.
How did Zoë describe your character Heather to you? Zoë said, 'She’s not dumb' and I thought 'Oh thank God!' Heather is educated and insightful, her ideas only feel out of context, because she’s high. She also said to me that Heather is very empathetic. The way Heather is misread in this story energized me to give her a voice, as raspy as it may be.
After learning about the character you would play, what kinds of things went through your mind in terms of how and what you would do to become this young woman? The genesis of Heather began in the audition. I had the script and character breakdown, but I didn’t get a chance to speak to Zoë before that. I took a lot of risks. It was either going to be a hard yes, or no. I remember in the audition scene it said, 'Heather coughs,' and I coughed for probably twenty seconds, mid-take. Once the skeleton for her was there, I got to further explore my imagination.
You totally transform for this role...your hair, your voice. Physically and visually what was important to convey? Zoë actually thought that was my real voice! I sat next to Alia [Shawkat, who plays Jess] on the plane, and I guess Zoë texted her something akin to, 'How crazy is her voice??' And Alia was like, 'Huh?!' I try not to think of a character as trying to convey something, but more of a sinking into a certain belief system. And on a good day and after much effort, the rest just sort of falls into place. I think the most important thing for Heather, was to admit her fragility behind the playfulness.
Blink Twice is a piece of art filled with messaging and themes. What does Heather represent within the story? Heather represents the annihilated part of ourselves. The part we shove down and bury out of shame and fear. She is spiritual and empathetic, but is anesthetizing herself from her potential to self-actualize. She is the part of us that stays small in order to have community, and she suffers greatly for it.
hair kiley fitzgerald | makeup pati dubroff
