The number of legitimate actors who have graduated from the ranks of reality television can be counted on one hand. But at least America's Next Top Model starts with natural-born performers, making Cycle 11 contestant Analeigh Tipton's jump to the big screen that much less surprising.
After scoring supporting roles in Crazy, Stupid, Love and Damsels in Distress, the 26-year-old is co-starring alongside Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn in the new gambling drama Mississippi Grind, which opens Friday. The Globe and Mail spoke to the actress while she was promoting the movie at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Mississippi Grind directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck seem to be interested in letting the audience simply observe characters for long stretches of time. Was their relaxed approach to narrative something that interested you?
So many directors are focused on the bigger picture, and I'm someone who is very detail-oriented in how I like to break down a character and understand someone's motives. So I observed them being observant, which was both incredibly intimidating and fascinating. I met my match with them in that way. Often you hit that wall with directors who come in with a different idea than you, but who aren't trying to break down your processes as well. But Anna and Ryan were so excellent in caring and being honest.
This is a smaller film than something like Crazy, Stupid, Love or Lucy. Are you more drawn to these type of independent, character-driven projects?
This was a very deliberate decision for me. At this point, the diversity of my roles has grown significantly. For studio films, though, I always want to be sure I'd be taking on a performance with a foundation. I was always worried that I'd get into these type of situations where the opportunity to [work on a larger film] would be great, but would I then be able to get indie films with really interesting roles? I like to think that I'm establishing a base before venturing out. Now, I'm ready to venture out into fun superhero movies.
You share an intense and intimate scene with Ben Mendelsohn where a lot of honesty is spilled. How did you two approach it?
I worked with the directors before on the scene, but it was all about how grounded and honest Ben was. He was also being a very observant person, and both of us are really able to hone in on that vulnerability of the situation. It enabled me to make [my character] Vanessa human, because she is being observed by someone who is so intuitive and so heartfelt. It enabled me to be incredibly present.
Even though there is this ambiguity in the relationship between the two of you…
When my parents asked me what the role was, and then having to explain, 'Well, she's an escort who then meets this older gentleman, but wait it's not that!' The connection between the two characters is so pure and innocent. It's just a refreshing connection between two somewhat lost individuals. Ben's character doesn't know where he's going, and Vanessa is so optimistic that she's going to become someone different. And that's where the bond is made.