After winning a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her work in "L.A. Confidential", it's no surprise to see Kim Basinger teaming up again with Curtis Hanson for "8 Mile". What will surprise filmgoers, though, is the role: a trailer trash mom, Stephanie, who's at loggerheads with her wannabe rapper son (Eminem)...
How tough was "8 Mile" for you?
My security was having Curtis Hanson at the helm of this. I knew he would get me where he wanted me to go. It was a wild ride. It was a scary ride. It was really, really scary at times. Stephanie's quite a complex person, and it was a great opportunity for me.
How was it working with Eminem? Was he nervous?
Eminem is very cool. This is a very intense ride and we had to go to some raw places, some very hard places with this script. It was hard. It was tough. I wouldn't say he was nervous, I think we were all nervous. It was kind of like a common bond we all had, whether we could make this real and raw.
Why did this story speak to you?
I think it's talking about communication. I'm prejudiced but I think no one can do this as well as Curtis Hanson can. I think he has his finger on the pulse of America and on people - not just America, on the world - and what people want to see or need or whatever. He went into those waters and I'm glad he took me with him.
What has it meant to you being part of this project?
The day I left Detroit, tears were in my eyes. I said to myself, "I'm really going to miss this crew. We've gone on a really wild ride together." But you know what? I am not going to miss Stephanie!"
