*You have heard of the Grinch, right? Of course you have. You know … the Dr. Seuss story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Yep, that Grinch. Well, on November 9, thanks to Illumination and Universal Pictures, you will have an opportunity to see the new film, “The Grinch,” which is based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
As part of the pre-release activities for the film, on November 1 and 2, a screening and press conference respectively were held in New York, New York. It wasn’t just any press conference, but one with a twist. Instead of the usual thing of adults interviewing the film’s cast members, the studio got creative and asked that children handle the task. Representing EURweb, young Caleb William Cox sat down with Academy Award nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (the voice of the Grinch) and Cameron Seely (the voice of the young girl, Cindy Lou Who) and asked very intelligent and professional questions.
When asked Caleb what made him decide to take on the role of the Grinch, Cumberbatch shared …
“I was very flattered when they (Universal Pictures) asked me. This is an all-American icon and I was kind of surprised and thought what have you heard about me in private? Have you heard bad stories about me being grinchy?”
As it turns out, they didn’t think he was grinchy; they just liked his voice, well, his accent. He loves doing animation because, “you’re not in front of a camera, you and don’t have to worry about continuity, you’re kinda free; it’s freeing and playful.” Benedict said he prepared for the role of the Grinch mainly by reading the book, saying, “I just loved the original story, so I looked at the drawings and listened to the rhythm of the words and what he said and that’s how the voice started to come about.”
When asked what she enjoyed most about doing the film and the role of Cindy Lou, Cameron Seely told Caleb…
“I really enjoyed how much more Cindy Lou has become from the Dr. Seuss original. Because the Dr. Seuss original was amazing, but I feel like Cindy Lou has a bigger part now and that was a lot of fun because I didn’t say, Mr. Grinch, why are you stealing Christmas? I got to do more and that was a lot fun”
Also lending their voices and talent to the film are Rashida Jones, the hilarious Kenan Thompson, Angela Lansbury and Pharrell Williams. “The Grinch” screenplay was written by Michael Lesieur and Tommy Swerdlow and was directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney. Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy produced the film, with executive producers Latifa Ouaou, Audrey Geisel and Chris Renaud.
Be sure and add “The Grinch” to your holiday movie-going list when it is released on Friday, November 9.
Marilyn Smith is a Los Angeles based writer/reviewer. Contact her via [email protected].
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