The new film "Youth in Revolt," based on the novel by C.D. Payne, tells the story of Nick Twisp, a sex-obsessed adolescent who falls for the beautiful Sheeni Saunders. Wearing Converse, green corduroys and a blue collared shirt (buttoned to the top, of course), Michael Cera introduces himself with the friendly, albeit slightly nervous demeanor that's made him famous. He is essentially the same unassuming, awkwardly boyish character he plays in his other movies.
Cera and his co-star Portia Doubleday sat down with the Daily to discuss everything from shooting a movie based on a popular novel and what it was like working with some veteran comedians, to Cera's thoughts on an "Arrested Development" movie and a few scenes that didn't make the cut.
Charissa Ng: What originally attracted both of you to working on this movie?
Michael Cera: I just love the book and was really excited about it being made into a movie. I thought it was really funny and wanted to be a part of it and be able to say some of the lines from the book.
CN: Having had read the book and being a fan of it, what was your first reaction to the script? Do you think it matched up pretty well?
MC: I mean, if the book could just be made into a script, that would be great, but it's too long to include the whole book. But it's pretty shootable the way it is. The dialogue is great and feels really cinematic.
CN: Do you think it's a challenge, when you're doing a movie based on a book, feeling like you're bound to it?
MC: It's really nice as actors to have something that clearly shows you what your character is, and goes really in depth.
CN: Michael, are you ever afraid of being typecast? You're in teen movies a lot and movies that are geared towards our generation.
MC: You get to choose as an actor what you're in. To be typecast, it doesn't happen against your will. You sign onto everything you're a part of, so I'm not really afraid.
CN: I see you more as a Nick than a François, but in scenes with the two of them, François seemed to steal the screen. What was it like to have to act against yourself?
MC: It was really fun doing the scenes where I'm acting off myself. It was really technical, and you have to hit your mark really precisely, and the timing has to be perfect. For every situation there's a different way to shoot it, a different trick, so it was cool watching that. I'm really interested in that kind of stuff.
CN: What was it like working with such big-name actors as Ray Liotta?
Portia Doubleday: I was just in so deep that I was kind of desensitized. When that happens you just kind of go with it. It was incredible. They were all really warm and awesome and have great personalities.
CN: Who is closer to your ideal man: Nick or François?
PD: I don't necessarily want guys burning down half of Berkeley for me, but I could say I always want a taste of both. I want there to be a little bit of adventure; a little bit of bad is always good. A good bad boy.
CN: Do you guys relate to the characters you play?
MC: I think there are some elements in there that everyone can relate to with both the characters. Everyone goes through something growing up where you feel isolated or you don't relate to people properly.
CN: What was your favorite part to film?
MC: I like the Thanksgiving scene a lot. It was really fun to play because there were a lot of people there and almost felt like a play. M. Emmett Walsh has potatoes all over his face. Remember how annoyed he was? Fiola, this German makeup woman who's crazy, was putting it on his face with a fork. That was fun.
PD: Yeah, he's really tiny. I liked watching you and Trent [Jonathan Wright] figure out the rumble at the end. That was really fun, but I was just watching.
MC: I had rug burn on my face after that.
PD: You know that bad feeling whenever you see a fight? There's just something so animalistic about it. I got that feeling.
MC: Oh yeah, I love that feeling.
CN: So what's next for the two of you?
MC: I have a movie coming out next year called "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World."
PD: I don't know. I'm doing a short, I think. I don't know. I guess we'll see what happens because I'm in school.
CN: What's it like at school, after the movie?
PD: It's funny because I have a project due the day I get back. So I'm in the middle of writing an essay on self-managing me biting my cuticles.
MC: Do you have a problem with that?
PD: I have a bad problem with that.
MC: I would have never known.
CN: What's going on with the "Arrested Development" movie?
MC: I think the same stuff. I think it's just being developed right now.
CN: But you would be in for it?
MC: Yeah, definitely. Everyone on the show is so great. It's sad when you get really comfortable and then you don't get to do anything with them or do anything together.
