Diane Behrens – (Moneyball – 2011).
16 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in Diane Behrens - (Moneyball - 2011). Tags: 2011, Aaron Sorkin, Bennett Miller, Billy Beane, Brad Pitt, Chris Pratt, Diane Behrens, Jonah Hill, Kate Walsh, Moneyball, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Private Practice, Robin Wright, Stephen Bishop, Steven Zaillian
I recently got the chance to talk to Diane Behrens about her role in ‘Moneyball’. Here, Diane talks about what it was like working with Brad Pitt and what is coming up for her in 2012…
Hey Diane. Thanks for taking the time out to talk to me about your new film ‘Moneyball‘.
Thanks for asking!
What’s the general plotline surrounding the film? I understand it’s based on a true story?
Yes it is based on the story of Billy Beane, as general manager for the Oakland A’s he devised a way through statistics to find the strengths in the underdog players and hire them at an affordable price for the cash strapped A’s.
Tell us a bit about the character you play in the movie.
I play Billy’s mom who would rather have him experience college when the scouts come to court him. Billy was an exceptional student, who had a gift and a love for baseball. Like any caring mother I would have preferred it if he had gotten a college degree . He made the decision to forgo college, a choice he later regretted.
How would you say this film is different and unique to other sports films?
It is different on so many levels. It exposes the inner workings of negotiating for players, it has the David and Goliath aspect, but because it is a true story it hits a cord with audiences. The superbly written script by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin combined with the layered direction from Bennett Miller took the bestselling book to a whole new level.
The film stars Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Chris Pratt and Stephen Bishop – with Bennett Miller onboard as director – what was it like working with the cast and crew on-set? Any good anecdotes to tell?
It was delightful working with Bennett Miller. The director sets the tone, and he made it a joy, he just assumes everyone knows what they are doing and as a result everyone knows what they are doing. I worked on additional voice dialogue with Brad Pitt and he is terrific, very gracious and generous.
Let’s talk a bit about you Diane. What made you want to get into acting in the first place?
I love make-believe. I grew up in Europe and Africa. There was no T.V. so my siblings and I had to make our imaginations do the work.
You’ve been in a number of different TV series and films – which project has been your favourite to be a part of?
It was fun playing the part of the legendary Doris Day but every project has had something fantastic about it.
If you could have dinner with three guests – (living or dead), who would you choose and why?
Bertrand Russel, John Stewart, Hilary Clinton. Why? Imagine the conversations! Russel is wise, Stewart so funny, Clinton so smart.
If you were stranded on a desert island – what three things could you not live without?
Cashmere sweaters, another person and animals.
How are you going to be spending your Christmas this year?
I may be going to Mexico for the holiday.
What’s coming up for you in 2012?
I just finished doing a ‘Private Practice’ with Kate Walsh. I have some exhibits coming up – (I’m an artist as well). Some of my work and updates can be seen at http://www.dianebehrens.com. I have incredible agents at KSR who have been with me through the long haul and I rely on them completely for work. It is so nice to be in a project that has gotten such great reception!
Thanks for the interview!
