Actress taking novel approach
For some hopelessly devoted fans, Lauren Graham will always be Lorelai Gilmore from the series Gilmore Girls. Others know her as Sarah Braverman on Parenthood.
Currently, the 48-year-old has transformed into novelist mode with a December deadline to prove it.
The book she’s writing is her second. The first, called Someday, Someday, Maybe: A Novel, loosely recalls Graham’s experiences as a New York actress in the 1990s. Her debut novel landed on the New York Times bestseller list in 2013 and is being adapted for a TV show.
Acting is still a priority, shown by her role in the movie Max, the name of a military dog that returns from service in Afghanistan traumatized by the death of its Marine handler, Justin Wincott (Robbie Amell). When the Wincott family adopts the dog, they all try to recover from the loss.
Graham plays Pamela, the mother of the soldier killed in action and the wife of Ray (Thomas Haden Church), a stern war veteran trying to cope and still deal with his rebellious younger son Justin (Josh Wiggins).
Directed by Boaz Yakin, the film is part kid adventure plus a dash of action and an examination of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Grounding the story are Church and especially Graham — who talked to Postmedia News from Los Angeles about the film Max and her future.
Q: Is it true you based some of your mom and wife traits in Max on your grandmother? A: My grandmother was a preacher’s wife and missionary, and she was always the strongest voice in the room without saying much.
Q: Doesn’t your character express poignant side, though? A: Yes, but I tried to modify it, especially coming from Parenthood, where I had so much emotional stuff.
Q: Was it a difficult role? A: I had great faith in (Yakin). I just trusted him to find the right tone. The husband and son are so stoic, he wanted my character to be the emotional centre.
Q: What did you think of the film’s theme? A: I love that it’s about war but doesn’t glorify war. And the story could take place 20 years in the past or 20 years in the future.
Q: Was it difficult acting opposite the many dogs that played Max? A: It does add another level of difficulty. But I was impressed with their high level of discipline.
Q: What’s your second novel about? A: It’s a companion piece to the first one because they don’t like the word sequel in the publishing world.