Mali MacConnell plays heroin and mama's girl Carly McDonnell in Mother's Day. I had a chance to send her a series of interview questions asking her about her experience with scary movies, her character, and her experience on this edition of the story of Friday the 13th. I was not disappointed......
So, what was your first scary movie?
The first movie I can remember being thoroughly frightened by was Edward Scissor hands. Now I know that movie was not intended to be a scary one, but I have always had a hard time watching anything even remotely frightening. I jump at everything and the fact that I was only probably 6 didn’t help the situation. I remember having nightmares for a week straight and ever since then I really haven’t been interested in watching scary movies. However, acting in them is another story.
Did it really scare you?
More than any other movie has. Especially the scene where the mother finds Johnny Depp for the first time, I couldn’t get that out of my head.
Were you one of those kids who once you had the experience of seeing a horror film you could hardly wait to see another?
Not at all. For years and years I would refuse to watch scary movies. Of course if I was with a group of people then I would succumb so that I didn’t look like a baby, but I would be keeping a constant death-like grip on anyone who had the misfortune of sitting next to me.
Are you a fan of Friday the 13th?
I’m embarrassed to say this, but I had never seen a Friday the 13th movie nor read a Friday the 13th book when Cory asked me to be in the movie. Then I decided not to watch one so that I could keep my acting natural because I was afraid I would see how the other females acted and would change to fit how they had been. However, Cory asked that I at least watch the first movie so that I could fully understand the role of the mother and I’m glad that I did. I enjoyed the movie thoroughly, but that is still the only one I have seen.
Which Friday the 13th film was your favorite?
I suppose I would have the say the first since that’s the only one I have seen. None the less I enjoyed it immensely.
Before getting the part of Carly in Mother's Day had you read any of the Eric Morse Friday the 13th novels?
As I said before I wasn’t a fan of scary movies and so reading the books didn’t intrigue me either.
Though Mother's Day is a Friday the 13th film, the character of Jason Voorhees does not appear in the film. How does this change this story and make it different from the others?
Was the lack of Jason a detriment, or an advantage, or did it make any difference?
I don’t think it made a difference. The fact that a man was being possessed by a mask is creepy and thrilling enough. I suppose some people will be disappointed at the lack of Jason, but come on; if a mad hunter with a shot gun and a talking controlling head doesn’t freak some people out then there is no hope for them.
What was it about the script for Mother's Day that made you want to take part in this production?
Well I had already told Cory Stevens that I would act in the movie before even reading the script and I was very anxious to read it hoping to God that the script was good so that I wouldn’t regret the decision; and I was not let down. The script is very good; the character of Carly seemed like it would be fun and because he took almost all the lines straight from the book they were realistic and believable. The script was so exciting and after reading it through I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to wait those few weeks before shooting. I wanted to get out there the very next day and start this because I was so impressed with it all.
In regard to your character, Carly, what was it about the character that drew you to take up the part?
Cory had said that he could easily see me in the role of Carly so I agreed to it before I even knew anything about her. Usually I like to hear about a role before accepting it, but I hadn’t acted in such a long time that I was itching to do anything.
Is there some aspect of Carly you see in yourself?
I feel like Carly and I are very similar. Her relationship with her mother, her hesitation to do something a little wild, even the way she spoke seemed to mirror how I am. I was actually surprised at how much of me I saw in her. That’s not necessarily a good thing however; I like a challenge and I didn’t think Carly would be very challenging since I felt like I could act like myself the whole time. I’ve played many different characters ranging from men to lesbians to heroin addicts and was wondering how this would affect my acting, but once we started filming I saw that I had been worried about nothing. It was still a challenge, I still had to work very hard on my lines to make them sound how they should be and soon enough differences arose between Carly and me that I felt like I could see this whole different person forming.
Was there a certain scene or incident during the production that stands out in your mind?
During every production there is usually one person that is the stand out person. Was there anyone on the crew of Mother's Day that you felt was this person?
Without a doubt that was Kendal Sayer. That guy was at almost every single day of shooting including the random nights of little pick ups. Not only was he always there he was also always willing to do whatever was needed. He never once complained and he kept all our spirits up with his jokes even when it was 3 in the morning and freezing cold. I have never met someone with that good of an attitude no matter what and for an indefinite amount of time. That guy blew me away; he made the countless hours of shooting enjoyable and I feel so lucky to have worked with and gotten to know him.
Do you think that if Mother's Day is a success and the fans show support that there will be more adaptations of Friday the 13th novels in the future?
Do you mean other people making adaptations or only Cory Stevens? Well I guess that doesn’t matter because I think both could happen. Cory is already contemplating another Friday the 13th movie and if this film is as good as we all think it will be then I don’t doubt that other fans all over will want to give it a shot and get their version out there. They really are a blast to do; the plot is so well known and exciting, the characters are real yet interesting, and it’s possible to put out a high quality movie without thousands and thousands of dollars. These movies are a great way for new film makers to show their stuff and work on bettering their skills so I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if a whole horde of them start popping up.
Finally, what would you like to see in the future of Friday the 13th?
I now feel a connection towards this series and I would love for them to get popular once again which I’m sure wouldn’t be hard since so many people know and love the story. Not to mention a possible acting job in the future? Well, a girl can dream can’t she?