Elizabeth Banks Talks About Playing Laura Bush

Elizabeth Banks Talks About Playing Laura Bush

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How do you research the sitting First Lady?
ELIZABETH BANKS: I'm reading -- I have about six books. I have the A&E biography that they did, I have all of her speeches, anything that I could find. I just bought her episode of Charlie Rose. I have a lot on my iPod right now. I'm very interested in getting her voice. I feel like if I get her hair and her voice right, it will go a long way toward creating the character.

Does it make it harder that she's so visible right now and everyone has an idea of what she's like?
Look, we're not making a documentary. I mean, it's a fictionalization on some level, with elements of reality, because there are so many well-documented moments of their lives that will be in the movie. But I'm never going to be Laura Bush; I can only hope to have her essence, and I hope to do right by her. I have nothing but admiration and respect for the First Lady.

Do you know how you will play her right now, or are you still trying to figure that out?
No, I'm still trying to figure that out. I met Laura Bush once, which was very interesting. Back in 2003, the White House hosted a screening of Seabiscuit, and they were kind enough to invite all of us to the movie, and they hosted a little dinner. My husband and I both chatted with Laura and George. It was really fun and they were very cordial hosts.

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