FLIcK Magazine

Interview- Katie Holmes: Leading Lady

For comic book fans, there was one big question after Batman was cast in the new Batman Begins film: Who would be the lucky girl to ride along in the Batmobile? Katie Holmes landed the coveted role of Rachel Dawes, assistant district attorney--and the lady in Batman's heart. FLIcK magazine recently spoke with Holmes (also in First Daughter, Wonder Boys, and The Ice Storm) about her stay in Gotham City.

Q: We understand there was some stiff competition for the role. What did you go through to get the part?

A: I had gone on a lot of meetings with people from Warner Brothers. I'd even met Chris [Nolan, the director] from years before, and I also went to London for the screen test. I try not to focus on my competition.

Q: What did you do to prepare?

A: I watched all the Batman movies, but my character isn't from the other movies. And I asked Chris a lot of questions!

Q: What was your first day on the set like?

A: It was fun, and a little nerve-wracking, as it was quite the impressive cast and director. My first scene, I was playing older than I was, so I had that going for me. It's when Bruce and Rachel see each other for the first time after many years.

Q: How is Rachel Dawes different from other characters you have played?

A: She's a bit more adult than the other characters I've played. You see her at 21 and at 28. And she's a very strong and idealistic person--one that wasn't handed everything in her life.

Q: How does Rachel Dawes differ from Batman's other love interests, such as Vicki Vale or Dr. Chase Meridian?

A: Rachel doesn't have any super powers, and she's not as sexy as the others!

Q: What did you learn about Batman on this movie that surprised you?

A: His heart--he's got a lot of heart.

Q: Christian Bale was a surprise to some to get the role. What specifically do you feel he brings to it?

A: He's talented; he's very intense. I think he brings a seriousness to Batman. He can play menacing characters and has a sweetness as well. I think he makes a great Batman.

Q: What makes Batman Begins unique?

A: I think it's going to be a very concise film, very dark, but still a lot of fun--a lot of the comic book fun. It's well done and connects to all the other stories. I think it's exciting because it's new and is Chris' vision.

Q: What was your best day on the set?

A: Probably my first day in Gotham City. The set was incredible--it was like I was on a ride!

Q: What's your take on the hype and the fans' connection to the films?

A: I'm anticipating quite a big summer. It's fun to be part of something that people have a connection to. I'm excited about it and confident the movie will be very good.

(more insider scoops)

Q: This is quite a blockbuster. What was the biggest perk on the set?

A: We were all sort of excited to be part of the movie that has such history to it. We may have had some perks, but we weren't overly spoiled.

Q: What is your favorite Batman gadget, and do you consider yourself a "gadget person" in your real life?

A: I'm not a huge gadget person. I'm not into video games. I don't have a favorite Batman gadget.

Q: Any news on sequels and whether Rachel Dawes returns?

A: I don't know anything about that. I think they're going to see how the movie does.

Q: Did you stick to the script or improvise?

A: We stuck to the script.

Q: Any surprises you saw in the script or in the presentation of Batman this time around?

A: I can't really say.

Q: What is your idea of the perfect day?

A: Walking around New York City and having nothing to do--just looking at different shops.

Q: What are you a fan of?

A: I'm a fan of old movies, pasta, and London.

Q: How do you typically spend opening weekends of your films, and what are your plans for the Batman Begins premiere?

A: I usually have my parents come out, and we'll go to some lunches and dinners and shop. They think it's fun. They're proud, and it's fun to have them there.

Q: What would you like to say to movie fans who are about to watch Batman Begins?

A: Get ready for a great time!

Profile Questions

Q: Last movie you saw?

A: Don't Move

Q: Last book you read?

A: Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon

Q: CD currently in your CD player?

A: Radiohead

Q: Favorite movie as a child?

A: Pretty in Pink

Q: Must-haves on the set/in your trailer?

A: Candles

Q: Favorite way to celebrate your birthday?

A: With close friends

Rapid Fire Questions

Q: Reading the book or seeing the movie?

A: Reading the book first

Q: Watching the movie on DVD or in the theater?

A: Theater

Q: Singing or dancing?

A: Both

Q: Morning or night person?

A: Night

Q: Dressed up or casual?

A: Casual

Q: Hiking or shopping?

A: Shopping

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