In perhaps the scariest story of High School life ever depicted in modern American cinema, the 1976 film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel Carrie was a blockbuster hit of teenage angst meets bullying and eventually, revenge. In the film, we follow Carrie White through all of the trials and tribulations of adolescence while she struggles with her newly found powers. In this 2013 remake of the classic, directed by Kimberly Peirce, of Boys Don’t Cry directorial fame, and starring Chloë Moretz, we are shown both the timelessness of the tale and a deeper emotional depth of the character this time round. In preparation for the movie, Mateo Anderson sits down with actress Chloë Moretz for her take on the film, and what it means to be Carrie.

What is this story about for you?

It is a true coming-of-age story in many different ways. Carrie is just experiencing certain aspects of a girl’s life (i.e.: first period, first date, rebelling against her parent, attending Prom…), but later than most girls. The world is finally opening up for her and she’s embracing her power as a woman and also her newly discovered supernatural abilities.

How do you see Carrie?

I see her as a young woman who is loved too much by her mother – to the point that she isn’t allowed to experience life in the way she wants. That relationship, while a source of safety, is the cause of Carrie’s internal struggle. Her rebellion against her mother and her new experiences with those people around her causes a detrimental outcome. But by gaining control she also loses control…

What are those things she wants to do?

Carrie just wants to live her life without restrictions, figure out who she is and do what any normal teenager does; but her mother, the girls at school and everyone around her seem to conspire to keep her from doing so.

How does she react to that restraint she suffers?

Carrie is trying to lead herself through a very scary time in her life, alone. She attempts to appease her mother and tries to make herself so small at school to be left alone. However, it proves impossible to continue to live in that way; so, she instead finds and embraces her strength. She begins to behave as if there are no consequences…

Did you watch the original 1976 movie directed by Brian De Palma, with Sissy Spacek in the leading role of Carrie, to prepare this character?

Even though I know what Brian De Palma and Sissy Spacek did was phenomenal, I didn’t want to watch the original movie because I wanted to make Carrie my own.

So, where did you go in order to understand her complexities?

Apart from the script, I really used the book and took a lot of interesting stuff from there.

How would you compare Stephen King’s book to this movie?

I feel that in the book Carrie is mad at everything, whereas in our film she is more sympathetic with the people that hate her. That is, until the very end… Otherwise I feel the film is a true depiction of King’s novel.

And do you sympathize with her?

Yes because, like Carrie, I’m also a teenager trying to navigate some of the same things she’s experiencing.

What are those things that make you relate to her?

Well, I am also trying to figure out my relationships and who I am as a girl – which includes what my voice, motivation and drive are. So the topics of the film are fresh in my mind and relevant to my life, which made it easier for me to tap into the character.

What is the relationship like between Carrie and her mother?

Margaret loves her daughter immensely; however, it is that intense love for Carrie that makes Margaret behave in the way she does. Carrie reciprocates but doesn’t agree with her mother’s reasoning and way of life.

How important was it to have a director like Kimberly Peirce on board?

It’s interesting to see this movie told through the eyes of a woman. I feel that it’s more realistic than if you had a man trying to figure out what it would be like to have your period and to be coming-of-age as a woman. So it was great to work with Kim because I was able to relate to her, and we really got into this movie in a very organic way.

For more information visit www.carrie-movie.net.Don’t miss out on seeing Carrie at Grand Cinemas Kuwait, from the 17th of October.

Images courtesy of Nino Munoz.