Based on Noel Coward's play of the same name, director Stephan Elliott's Easy Virtue stars Jessica Biel as the sexy and Avante-Garde Larita - the American bride of young Englishman John Whittaker (Ben Barnes).
When Larita journeys with John to the family estate in England, John's mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) takes an instant dislike to her, and the two women embark upon upon a manipulative game of wits. Stuck in the middle is Mr. Whitaker (Colin Firth), the war weary head of the household.
"I loved the script and my character," said Biel. "In fact, when I read it I said to my agent 'I have to do this movie. Figure it out.' "
Coward wrote the play when he was just 23 years old, and it was a young Alfred Hitchcock who produced a silent film version of the story in 1928. Other titles from the British playwright include Hay Fever, Private Lives and Blithe Spirit.
Learning Curve
"I wasn't overly familiar with Coward," recalled Biel, "so I looked up to Kristin and Colin for help. I also wanted to let Stephan know that I really appreciated this opportunity and that I would work extremely hard to create a dynamic character."
It was Larita's strenghts and vulnerabities which especially appealed to the actress.
"This woman is so interesting, complicated and strong. She's all the things you dream of when you take on a character."
To become the character, Biel zipped over to England, where the film was shot - over a seven week period, in stately homes in Cambridgeshire and Berkshire.
"It's nerve wracking to pick up and live in a new country. I was the American who was sticking out like a sore thumb. But it was great to get out of my usual comfort zone. Thank God, there was no language barrier."
Early Days
A native of Minnesota, Biel has always yearned for the spotlight. During the early days of her career, she appeared in musicals such as The Sound of Music, Annie and Beauty and The Beast.
After a spell of modeling and commercial work, she made her feature film debut, at age 14, opposite Peter Fonda in director Victor Numez's 1997 offering Ulee's Gold. Her later titles include The Texas ChainsawMassacre, Blade: Trinity, Stealth, Elizabethtown and The Illusionist.
"I like to try different things and keep my roles varied," Biel said. "If all your roles are similar to one another, people will associate you with one thing and you tend to get boxed in. If you're in a comedy, try something different next time."
For Biel, challenging roles are the name of the game.
"I always want to do something I've never done before, so I am constantly looking for roles which are tough and scare me to death. I just want one chance to do something really special. If you don't like it, fine. But at least give me a shot".
Easy Virtue Info:
- Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
- US Release Date: Now Playing
- Principal Stars: Jessica Biel, Kristin Scott Thomas, Colin Firth and Ben Barnes
- Director: Stephan Elliott
- Screenplay: Stephan Elliott and Sheridan Jobbins (Based on the play by Noel Coward)
- Producers: Barnaby Thompson, Joe Abrams and James D. Stern
- Rating: PG-13
