Debbie Friedlander
Previously on screen, this New York and Boston based actress has appeared in numerous indie films, including the award-winning “Absent Father”; and on-stage she originated and was instrumental in developing the lead role of Cora Turner in production of “Scotch Kiss.” Additionally, she performed the role of Liz Hastings in the New York premiere of “One In Eight.”
The details about THE BITTER PILL are very hush-hush, but I recently had a chance to catch up with Debbie to chat a little bit about her role opposite two of Hollywood’s biggest A-listers: Jude Law and Rooney Mara.
HOLLY: Tell us a little about your role in THE BITTER PILL.
DEBBIE: I play Mrs. Westerman, a psychiatric social worker at Wards Island Hospital, a facility for the criminally insane. To say more would be to give away some of the story line -- sorry.
HOLLY: What was it like working opposite two of Hollywood’s biggest stars: Jude Law and Rooney Mara? And, how about with director Steven Soderbergh?
DEBBIE: Steven Soderbergh is a master filmmaker. He's focused, economical and calm on set. Jude Law is fun between takes, and Rooney Mara is wonderfully present when working.
HOLLY: Any stories you can share with us from behind the scenes?
DEBBIE: For several days we filmed in the disused wing of a psychiatric facility. The hospital security team was consistently reminding the actors portraying mental patients to wear their film set ID's as they were having trouble telling them apart from their real patients!
HOLLY: What surprised you the most working on this film?
DEBBIE: The stories of how quickly and efficiently Steven Soderbergh works are legendary. Never the less seeing it in action was still took me a bit by surprise. I want to be clear, the following is my own observation only: it felt as if the film was already edited in his mind's eye. Thus, he's clear as to what he needs and wants to see on screen. Further he shoots rather rapidly, meaning everyone comes to set prepared and ready to go with the ability to move as fast. You only get a take or two; a few at the most before he's ready to move onto the next scene. As an actor it's great to work in an environment with a director as committed and sure handed as he is.
HOLLY: Are you working on anything else that we can keep an eye out for in the future? And, how can we get updates about your projects?
DEBBIE: Thanks for asking. You can always check out my site for mention of upcoming projects: www.DebbieFriedlander.com.
At present lots on the plate, but nothing I can talk about as of yet.
Well, we don’t want to get you in trouble, Debbie…so we’ll leave it at that.
Good Luck with THE BITTER PILL…it sounds pretty ‘sweet’!
