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Drew Barrymore Talks About Her Directorial Debut In Whip It *Giveaway*

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This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winners are Mildred, Shel, Jen, Laura B, and Amber G.  Congrats!

This past week was a whirlwind!  Along with the multiple media events we had the honor of attending, I had an opportunity to speak with two celebrities and a famous pediatrician (more on that to come this week!).  I have to admit two things:  1.  I was completely starstruck 2.  I was nervous each and every time.

I feel like I’ve grown up with Drew Barrymore (we’re right around the same age).  I remember watching her for the first time as a child in E.T. Her latest accomplishment is her directorial debut in Whip It (oh..did I mention she also acts in the movie?).  I’ve watched it twice. It’s that good!  Here is a brief summary:

When a rebellious teenager gets tired of following in her family’s footsteps and ditches the beauty pageant circuit, she finds her own ‘tribe’ and comes full circle to uncover an unshakable bond with her mother.  The coming-of-age comedy stars Ellen Page, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis, Jimmy Fallon, Daniel Stern and Marcia Gay Harden.

But here at Rockin’ Mama, a review will simply not suffice!  So, without further ado, I bring you the fabulously talented and beautiful Drew Barrymore as she graciously talks to me about her latest venture.

1.  I know you’ve been acting since you were a child.  What inspired you to direct?

I’ve wanted to direct since I was a child.  I love film.  I love that form of communication.  I waited until now because I wanted to be prepared to be a director and everything that entailed.

2.  I know you mentioned wanting to wait until you were ready.  Why did you choose this movie for your directorial debut?

I really responded to the mother daughter aspect of the story.  I found the relationship fascinating.  I related to a lot of  story and felt like I could make this film very personal.  It’s how I lived a lot of my life.  Things the characters wrestled with are things I wrestled with. For me, I tried to find a cohesive way to put all of these components together to tell the story….you have good days and bad days…some days you rock out with your friends…cry over a relationship…you learn something…you need to apologize for something.  You have to believe in yourself and find a place where you can express yourself…a place where that is empowering and not frowned upon. All of those things are things I have related to.

3.  I can definitely see those aspects weaved into the movie now that I’ve watched it.  You also have an acting role in the film.  How did you balance playing the role of Smashley Simpson while directing the movie?

It was challenging because [directing this film] was a 20 hour a day, seven day a week job for 2-3 years.  But I wanted to do it because of the camaraderie and friendship that develops out of training [for roller derby] and all the funny adventures together.  Everybody is in it together and I just think it’s a more energizing working environment.  I threw myself in there with everyone.

4.  I had read that you did your own stunts.  Can you tell me more about that?

Having done the Charlie’s Angels movies, doing my own stunts in the film was important to me.  It was predominantly us.  Audiences are very smart and keen and when they see the real person doing it,  you’re able to fall into [the movie] a lot easier.  I felt like there was a lot of authenticity.    I wanted to show off this thing I had learned to do.

5.  Is this just the beginning of your move into directing and will we see you continue to act?

I think so. I hope so. That’s the goal.

6.  Did you model your style of directing after anyone?

I wouldn’t say one person specifically.  I love, as an actor, when directors say to me try this or do that or surprise me.  It makes me feel good about my own natural instincts.  I just feel that is a good way to elaborate on a performance that feels really good.  That makes you feel great about what you do.

7.  What was your favorite part of making this film?

I loved seeing that at the end of the day it was going to be my heart out there and my sense of humor and values.  I was lucky enough to work with these talented people along the way to do it.

Thank you Ms. Barrymore, for the time you spent with me.  [Goodbyes]

It’s such a rare opportunity to sit down, one-on-one with such a talent as Ms. Barrymore.  I was honored that she took a bit of time out of her busy schedule to talk about her role in making this phenomenal film.  I hope you enjoyed hearing just a bit about her and her passion for this movie.  Whip It is available on DVD and Blu-Ray now.

Win It! I have FIVE copies of Whip It to give away!  Simply leave me a topic-related comment about Drew Barrymore or her movie.  It could even be a question.  As long as your comment is on topic, you’re entered to win!  Comments will close on February 22, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

My friend Kim is giving away 3 copies!  Double your chances of winning by visiting her site!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received the DVD and had the honor of interviewing Ms. Barrymore.

Caryn Bailey
Latest posts by Caryn Bailey (see all)

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183 Responses to Drew Barrymore Talks About Her Directorial Debut In Whip It *Giveaway*

  5. I love Drew Barrymore – so cool you got to interview her! I wanted to see this movie in the theater and with two young kids at home, it just never happened. I love that the movie is so focused on the relationship between a group of women and a mother-daughter. I think we can all relate to that!

    Reply

  6. Wow, that’s amazing you got to talk to her. She was great in Music and Lyrics. One of my favorite movies to watch over and over. It just makes me laugh. I really want to see this. I didn’t get to in theaters but it looked awesome.

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  7. AHH!!!!! Great movie. Drew and Ellen Page together is fantastic. Drew directing is fantastic. The idea of the movie is fantastic. Well I think you get my drift. I need to own this on DVD!

    Reply

  9. I loved her in never been kissed. I too wanted to see it in the theater but that rarely happens. I am so happy that she made her directing dream come true.

    Reply

  10. My husband and I love Drew. We are the same age and can vividly remember her in E.T. We also love her in “50 First Dates” and “The Wedding Singer”.

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  19. It’s so exciting that you got to interview Drew Barrymore! I think she is very talented, and seems to be down to earth. I can remember watching Roller Derby on television when I would go see my uncle in California, many moons ago. It was exciting to watch. I’m looking forward to all of Ms Barrymore’s future projects.

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  21. Drew Barrymore is one of my fav actresses – especially loved her in Charlie’s Angels – would love to see this movie!

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  23. I have wanted to see this movie so badly! I love Drew Barrymore… she is such a wonderful actress and I can’t wait to see her work as a director!!!

    Reply

  24. I loved Drew in The Wedding Singer and Music and Lyrics. I can’t wait to see this one. Juno is also a fave, so I’m sure it’s really fun! Thanks for the giveaway.

    s.mickelson at gmail dot com

    Reply

  25. I live in Louisville, Kentucky. I work concessions at our towns roller Derby team. They are called the River City Roller Girls! It is really interesting and fun. Congrats to all who dare to play this sport!

    Reply

  27. Drew has been in the public for years. My favorite, of course, was ETbut Charlie’s Angels were great, too.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  29. Hi! Very cool that you got to talk to her. I wondered how she felt when she kissed Michael Vartan in “Never been kissed”. I love that movie and “Music and Lyrics”. I would love to win this movie and watch it. 🙂
    Thanks for a awesome giveaway!

    Reply

  43. I do hope Drew continues acting as well. We enjoy so many of her movies…she’s a wonderful actress, and I’m sure a wonderful director. Thanks for the review and giveaway. I enjoyed reading the interview.

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  48. OMG! I just watched the clip and I found myself wanted to be that girl! I so MUST see this movie!! I love Drew Barrymore! How freaking awesome is that…you interviewed her! WOW!! 🙂

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  51. Weird, I thought Riding in Cars with Boys was directed by her. I swear, my brain must be on vacation somewhere half the time lol

    I love her because she led a VERY rough life, and has come through the other side. She lives her passion, and I think that’s a great example to all of us women.

    I’m super jazzed to see this movie, because our town just started their very first roller derby team! They are kickin’ BUTT!

    Reply

  59. Kristen Wiig was awesome in this. its about time they made a roller girl movie. when was the last one rollerball? That was a turd.

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  60. Drew Barrymore has become one of my favorite actresses, loved her in Ever After, First Kiss, Charlie’s Angels…she is fun to watch.

    Thank you. 🙂

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  63. First of all, how cool that you got to interview Drew Barrymore. She’s such a great actress. I have no doubt that her transition into directing will be successful. I’ve been looking forward to this movie–I’m a big fan of Ellen Page. I think she’s gonna be a female version of Johnny Depp in her role choices.

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  70. I think Drew Barrymore is a wonderful actress. I loved her in Never Been Kissed, ET and Charlies Angels. She was also in that fast food movie with Luke Wilson. That was good too. I cant wait to see this movie!!!

    sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  72. I love Drew Barrymore in The Wedding Singer and Never Been Kissed, two of my favorite movies. My daughter is dying to see this movie and told me we need to buy it.

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  78. Why, hello there! I love Whip It. It’s so friggin’ good, like it’s been bathed in awesomeness (and maybe a little sweat) and made to kick some ass and rock on. This movie is all about becoming the person you want to be, which is a fantabulous message; it also shows women in a such refreshing light, especially young women. The quirky misfit in me totally connects with this movie. It serves as a constant reminder to be the peron I want to be, and the people who sustain their individuality are made of awesome stuff. I mean it’s Drew Barrymoore, Ellen Page, and Roller Derby. Need I say more?

    Reply

  82. sounds like a good movie 🙂 one thing i really like about drew barrymore is that she wears cheap shoes! she has the same purple converse sneakers as i do, which makes me feel cool and all hollywood like LOL

    Reply

  83. I’ve been wanting to see this movie! It must have been fun to meet Drew Barrymore – loved her in The Wedding Singer. Her choice of men has been really strange though, huh?

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  85. I just rented this over the snowmagedon and it was by far my favorite drew movie, i used to love never been kissed but this tops it, and i love Ellen too! i totally recommend!

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  91. It is hard to think that Drew Barrymore is now directing films. She was the little girl in ET, how could she be old enough to direct films. I guess my recent birthday caught up with me faster than expected!

    Reply

  102. Ellen Page is becoming America’s favorite cynical sweetheart. She’s a hoot. Please accept my entry. Thank you.

    Reply

  103. Drew Barrymore is awesome! I have always had the biggest crush on her. As a guy, I hate to admit that I get a little misty eyed during 50 First Dates! Thanks for the chance

    jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

    Reply

  109. Drew certainly has come a long way from playing the cute little girl in ET. She has grown into a talented actress, and I am very interested in seeing her directing debut. Thank you for the chance to win.

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  110. Who dosen’t love Drew. Also, my best fiend is a Roller derby girl in Wisconsin. I have been tempted to see what tems are in Southeast Oklahoma.

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  113. I love Ellen Page’s girl power characters in all of her movies. Drew Barrymore is great in comedies and chick flicks. I last saw her in He’s Just Not That Into You and her performance was very cute and funny.

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  114. I know what you mean. I feel like I’ve grown up with her as well. Drew is such a talented actress. It seems like each movie she plays in is practically flawless! 🙂

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  118. I wonder if Drew Barrymore found it easier to cast this movie considering her long acting history in Hollywood — that is, did she know exactly who to cast for each role without doubt and know how to get them to say “yes” to doing the role?

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  119. Drew Barrymore is such a great actress! I love the movie 50 First Dates, definitely one of my favorites! 🙂
    Amanda Barnes
    amandakbarnes90(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  120. I like the evolution that has occurred with Drew. She has grown up and still has a freshness that was there in ET.

    Reply

  125. Oh, I’ve watched this movie 3 times now and I can’t seem to STOP! It just makes me feel so empowered every time I watch it-It really is a big inspiration to me to beat this disease and finally start leading my own life 🙂

    Thank you so much for this giveaway!

    Reply

  129. I have loved Drew since she was a little girl in ET. It has been so much fun watching her grow into such a lovely and talented young woman. I also love Ellen Page! This movie looks like such a great movie!

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  131. Drew Barrymore is one of my favorites actresses. I loved her most in 30 first dates. I have not seen Whip it but I would love to own it.

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  132. I just adore Drew Barrymore, she has been in a lot of my fave movies. I think Never Been Kissed is my fave movie with her in it. This one looks quirky and cute and I would love to win it since I didn’t get a chance to see it in the theatre. Thanks!

    Reply

  135. I really want to see this movie. I watched Roller Derby as a kid, and even went to a few games. I also wanted to be a Roller Derby star, but the sport kind of died just as I got old enough 🙁

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  139. I love Drew Barrymore and I know I will love this movie but I haven’t seen it yet! I always think about joining a roller derby, I just might do that someday! Rock on Drew, one of the only decent actresses out there….

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  142. Since this movie was filmed in my state (MI), I would love to see it. Everything Drew Barrymore works with is great, I expect her directorial debut to be great as well.

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  148. it is great to see her in so many different roles,that is what I like best about her!

    ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com

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  155. I am all for Drew Barrymore directing movies! Movies can be entertaining and empowering, I’m glad she gets that!

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  156. I’ve always admired Drew Barrymore & love her movies. It’s nice to see her move into the role of director. Thanks!

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  158. This was a great movie I love that Drew Barrymore directed this It was really good for her first time I really admire her

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  160. It would be interesting to know if Drew was thinking about a particular movie she had acted in to get the feel for her new movie.

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  162. I love Drew. SHe comes from a family of famous actors and actresses and is following their footsteps. Loved every movie she has done!

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  173. i think she is a great actress i remember way back when she was the little cutie in et..and i loved her in boys on the side i loved that one too

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  179. I have followed Drew for awhile now through her movies and she
    has really evolved as a great actress.I admire how she has come
    through some troubling times in Hollywood,which is not an easy
    matter.I would love to see her in Whip it!

    Reply

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