The daring Ms. Dawson has no problem living in ‘Sin City’
On her first day on the set of “Sin City,” Rosario Dawson started out wearing a robe over her costume.
When it came time to act out her scene with co-star Clive Owen, she dropped the robe – revealing a skimpy black leather outfit that left little to the imagination.
“I have to work with that?” Owen asked in mock horror.
“If I can work with that,” Dawson said with a smile, “you can work with that.”
Her performance as the leader of a violent gang of prostitutes in the just-released “Sin City,” following her celebrated nude scene in “Alexander,” should cement her growing reputation as one of the hottest actresses in Hollywood.
The 25-year-old Dawson – an ethnic mix of Puerto Rican, Dominican, African American, Cuban and Irish – has been making movies since she was 15, when director Larry Clark saw her sitting on a stoop in a tough section of New York City and cast her in his controversial “Kids.”
Smaller parts in Spike Lee‘s “He Got Game,” “Men in Black 2,” “Shattered Glass” and “The Rundown” parlayed into bigger roles. Dawson next stars in the upcoming film version of the hit Broadway musical “Rent.”
But her coolest role to date is in “Sin City,” a stylish film noir based on the graphic novels of comics guru Frank Miller that combines live action and computer-generated graphics.
Q: Do you get a sense that you’re part of something groundbreaking?
A: Absolutely. It’s like being in “Pulp Fiction.” But I didn’t know for sure it was going to turn out that way.
I’ve been in films with great directors and perfect casts and everybody thought they were going to successful but they weren’t. You just have to do it for the experience and hope for the best.
Q: Based on the costume you wore in this film, and the nude scene in “Alexander,” I assume that it’s safe to call you fearless?
A: Yeah, I guess I am.
Q: And the nudity doesn’t bother you?
A: Not at all.
Q: Why not?
A: Because I don’t feel exploited. It was called for in “Alexander,” the same way this costume was called for in “Sin City.” … My character was supposed to be topless in this movie but I didn’t think it was necessary, and (director) Richard Rodriguez was totally cool with that.
I realize I’m pretty much half-naked, but I liked my character’s attitude that she was the head prostitute and she didn’t need to be naked. Besides, it would be distracting.
Q: Do you feel any pressure to be the next Latina superstar?
A: In a sense, but they’ve been saying that for the last 10 years. I’m not even sure what that’s supposed to mean. There are a lot of woman around my age with varied ethnic backgrounds, and they’re playing diverse roles that have nothing to with ethnicity. I love that. I’m trying to do that myself with my career.
The birthday bunch
Actress-singer Doris Day is 81. Singer Wayne Newton is 63. Singer Tony Orlando is 61. Actor Alec Baldwin is 47. Actor David Hyde Pierce (“Frasier”) is 46. Comedian-actor Eddie Murphy is 44. Actress Jennie Garth (“Beverly Hills, 90210”) is 33. Actress Amanda Bynes is 19.