So Bianca, let's
start with a visual. Can you describe the room
where you are answering these questions? I'm actually at
IMP FX today, which is the special fx company
that did the makeup and props for the upcoming
horror flick, Albino Farm. Lots of cool stuff
around- a giant pumpkin with warts and a curved
stem, skeletons, anatomical posters, a monkey
holding a magic 8 ball, an iron owl votive
holder, an old bookcase, genuine spider webs,
vintage film reels and Lon Chaney posters.
First off, I
know you are a dedicated horror movie fan as well
as actress. When you were growing up were there
are specific events that sort of sealed the deal
in your love of horror?
When
I was in elementary school, my gym teacher wanted
us to reenact Thriller for a school play. My mom
helped out by burying some of my clothes in the
backyard for a few days. I remember during
rehearsal that my teacher praised the way I
"crawled out of my tomb"... Later in
life, my best friend and I probably rented every
horror movie that Blockbuster Video had! The
first movie I ever rented was The Lost Boys, to
my dear mother's chagrin. I'd also sneak
downstairs after my family was asleep to watch
horror movies like The Howling and Fright Night.
When I was about eleven, my dad took me to visit
his friend, Bob Burns, who has one of the largest
horror and sci-fi prop collections in the world.
I had the chance to see the werewolf from An
American Werewolf in London, Lily Munster's gown,
puppets from Alien, Linda Blair's head and so
much more... it made such a dramatic impact on
me!
I want to chat
a bit about 'Albino Farm' to start. In the film
you play a cave-dwelling mutant. First off what
sort of prosthetics and make-up did that entail?
My makeup
took a minimum of three hours to apply each day I
performed. I had limited vision, couldn't breathe
through my nose and had false teeth in. The
entire head piece weighed close to five pounds,
which doesn't sound heavy, but when it's on your
head for twelve or more hours, you start to
cringe. We shot out in the Missouri woods and one
night I had two live spiders crawling on my head
between shots.. I'm so glad I did it, though, and
I'd come back for the sequel in a heartbeat! I
love to suffer for my art... ha ha!
Now is it
harder or easier for you to act with such
extensive "gear"?
It
definitely helped me become the character! But
honestly, I'm a shrill screamer and a very
intense person, so being psychotic tends to come
naturally for me. Can you give a teaser for
'Albino Farm' that will make it irresistable for
movie fans? Let's see, I mutilate and maim with a
rusty hay hook... I screech like a wild banshee,
I have a topless scene, do all my own stunts and
my name is Pig Bitch! What more can you ask for?!
I also know
you have made two films for horror director Ramzi
Abed - 'The Black Dahlia',
and now as Marlena in 'A Spiral
State'. 'Dahlia' has
such a fantastic cast with Lizzy and Julie
Strain, Gidget Gein, Lenora Claire, Trent Haaga,
Count Smokula, Masuimi Max, Llyod Kaufman etc.
With a group like that are there any tales from
the set you have to share?
Ramzi is
a fellow Dallas native, but we didn't meet until
we were both living in Los Angeles. He has this
amazing way of bringing the most interesting
characters together for his vision. Everyone on
the Dahlia set was so dedicated and they all
brought a unique chemistry to the film. And to
top it off, I met the love of my life on set, so
it will always have a special place in my little,
black heart.
So how do you fit in
with all the 'Dahlia' goings
on in the movie?
What's
funny is that I'm actually in three separate
scenes and wearing a different wig each time. I
play an aspiring actress, Rose, and had the
chance to ad lib lines for the first time ever.
The last scene I shot as the mutilated, naked
corpse, will always be my favorite because I met
someone very special quite unexpectedly that day.
Tell me about
your work as Marlena in 'A Spiral
State'.
This film
is a mystery to everyone except Ramzi, but I
trust his vision! Marlena is somewhat of a
manipulative woman who is wrapped up in a dark
world of drugs and shady characters. She
progresses into her own downward spiral which
leads to her eventual undoing. I can relate to
her because I've been in a similar situation
earlier in my life.
You've had
some other cool roles in horror flicks as well -
I love looking at your characters Ghost Woman (FEAR
CHAMBER), Sexy Zombie Bianca (ZOMBIE
COUNTERSTRIKE), Tree Demon (THE
COVENANT: BROTHERHOOD OF EVIL) --
this all prompts the question...what is the
craziest thing you have ever had to do or
simulate in any of your horror film roles?
Those
were all wild roles and some might end up on the
cutting room floor, but nothing can compare to my
big scene and breakout role in Albino Farm! I
wish I could tell you more, but it's definitely
one of the strangest and creepiest things I've
ever done. Trust me, that is a lot, especially
coming from a wild child like me!
Bianca you
also have a huge following from your
groundbreaking but no-more website Bianca's
Boudoir which was all about decadence in the the
Roaring 20s. What three items would you put in a
Bianca's Boudoir timecapsule as a fitting homage
to the site?
That was
a very free time in my life where I learned to
embrace my sensuality and body and live a rock n'
roll lifestyle. It was also entwined in a dark
and destructive relationship that I would prefer
to move on from as a stronger and more
independent person. I did learn how to create and
promote my own website, though, and there were
some fantastic images that emerged from the
massive chaos.
And you also
love silent films. Where do you think your
connection to the 20s comes from ... any thoughts
on reincarnation and if that plays a role?
My
love for silent films started early in life when
I would frequent the library and read about movie
stars from that golden era. I just love the
aesthetic of silent films and the drama, tragedy
and self-destruction that plagued the stars of
the time. It was such a new medium then and there
was the noticeable transition from theater to
film. The fact that you can feel the intensity
and emotion from the actors without them saying a
word really reflects their talent. As for
reincarnation, everyone wants to believe that
they were someone brilliant, famous and
mesmerizing in another life! One interesting
thing, Lon Chaney, the man of a thousand faces,
died on my birthday, August 26th.
I know you
also studied directing in school. Do you hope one
day to move behind the camera and if so have you
given thought to any sort of projects you would
like to do?
I get
lots of visual ideas for what I would like to do
in a film, but at this moment I'm more interested
in being in front of the camera. When I was
younger, I used to direct home movies with my
sisters and show them to my dad to make him
laugh. I was obsessed with "movie
magic" and special effects and read every
book I could find to learn more about the
illusions of film.
Plus, you're
Scream Queen of the Month for October 2007. What
perks has the title brought you?
It's
brought great traffic to my new website and it's
just a great honor to be acknowledged in this
field that I have loved for so long. I am hoping
there will be so much more to come!
Okay, we're
pulling the car into the Bianca Barnett Drive In.
A. What three horror films are on the triple bill
for tonight?
Let's
start with a cool, avant-garde silent, The Cat
and the Canary. Next up, the scariest movie ever
made, The Shining. I still get freaked out when I
watch it, it's that good! Finally, Shadow of the
Vampire, since it was such an original idea and
it's set in the 1920s. I want to star in a film
based in the Roarin' Twenties!
B. What
goodies are they doing to be serving up at the
concession stand?
Jars of
creamy peanut butter with Hershey chocolate bars
for dipping. Arby's sandwiches and curly fries
with horsey sauce. Finished of with soft serve
frozen yogurt with crumbled Oreos.
C. What will
not be tolerated on the premisis?
No smoking,
please, and only I can talk and give my opinion
(which is always right) throughout the movies.
Also, please bring your dogs, I love them all and
I get bored sitting still too long and need a
distraction.
Any ideas on
what you're dressing up for this Halloween and
what has been your most successful costume in the
past?
The past
two years I've been working on films and music
videos every Hallowe'en, but one day I will dress
up again! I love my job because I get to play
someTHING different and macabre all the time.
It's like everyday is Hallowe'en! I miss trick or
treating so much though...
Any other
upcoming projects or pursuits you would care to
mention?
I
recently did a video for a So-Cal rockabilly band
called The Rocketz in which I play a sadistic,
sex-kitten burlesque vamp. You can view the video
for the song, KILLING, on my website, http://www.biancabarnett.com . I update it all
the time with new pictures and videos, so please
stop by often!
What scares
you in real life?
Failing!!
So, please help a gal out and visit my website
and hire me... Go to http://www.biancabarnett.com and get hooked,
dammit! GRRRR!
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