Demented duo

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Alicia Witt

Alicia Witt, who plays Cherish in "Cecil B. DeMented," made her film debut in David Lynch's sprawling sci-fi flick "Dune," and has gone on to a stint on "Cybill" and several other quirky roles in well-made independents. In lean years, Witt made a living playing the piano at the Beverly Regent.

The 25-year-old has chosen her characters carefully, steering clear of the false vulnerability and delicate manipulation routines -- quite a feat considering the limited roles Hollywood deigns to offer young actresses. Instead, Witt has held out for parts with depth, gumption and a little outrageousness. Perhaps the most memorable moment of her recent career was "Fun," which featured Witt experimenting with lesbianism, killing people and refusing to apologize for either.

"Fun" may have prepared Witt best for her stint in Waters' latest foray into good bad taste. Witt shines as the lovely and talented Cherish, porn star turned thespian turned badass neopolitical cinema freedom fighter.

How did you like working on this film?

It was amazing. It was such a fun, free, amusing experience. John's so intelligent and he's the sweetest, nicest person on the set. He took genuine interest in everything that was going on with us.

I was also surprised because I hadn't seen many of his films and I thought he was going to be one of those directors who are very specific in their direction. But he wasn't like that at all. He did a rehearsal progress and made it clear what sort of characters we were playing, and from there, he just really let us run with it.

How did that differ from what you're used to?

It was just easy. It was just having a good time and telling a fun story. And John seemed perfectly relaxed, although I know he had a million things going on and it was probably the most complicated movie he ever made.

It's wonderful and in many ways I think it's a real culmination of his past films. It echoes his own experiences in a way, although I know he hates people reading autobiography into his films.

I think this film probably depicts that. It shows what he jokingly says is what he would have become had he not had the support of his parents when he was first starting out. It takes the idea of having a vision and being passionate about your vision one step further into a cult mentality.

I can imagine that as an actor the solid roles are few and far between.

I read so many things. I have no desire to play the typical girlfriend/sidekick role. Those characters exist to move the story along and that's it. And I don't care how much back story you invent in your own mind to bring something special to the character, it's just not fun to play a character that isn't realistic, that's one-dimensional. I like playing characters that are unusual and that challenge people.

Are there certain directors you'd like to work with?

John has been on my list forever. To me it was very lucky that I ended up in the movie at all, because when John was here auditioning, I was out of town. So I went on tape. The first time I met him face to face was when I went to Baltimore to begin shooting. So it was something about that tape. I was so happy.

I really want to work with Carl Franklin. He directed "One True Thing" and "Devil in a Blue Dress" with Denzel Washington. He's a very gifted director. I had an amazing meeting with him and I was so impressed with the performance he got out of me the hour that I spent with him in his office -- this incredible energy I felt inside myself, like I snuck outside of my body. I just have to work with him someday.

I would love to work with Woody Allen because he's just a legend. His films are so funny and sad at the same time. He hits upon some fundamental truth. I would love to work with Martin Scorsese and Joan Chen. And Leonardo DiCaprio. People don't give him the credit he deserves. It's all been overshadowed by the teen idol status, but he's so good; he's subtle and real.

Were you familiar with the directors John places in "Cecil"?

Not all of them. I didn't feel as though Cherish needed to be familiar. She's by far the most superficial of the group. I always felt like Cherish was worried that her boobs didn't look quite right or her nails were going to chip ... I just had so much fun with that character. Everyone was into their characters. Hopefully, on film, it comes across as a big group of bizarre and deep characters. I loved playing Cherish.

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