VIDEO
QUESTION: What’s it like returning to Winter River?
CATHERINE O’HARA: It’s different. Winona [Ryder] and I held on to each other as we walked onto the house set. My husband designed the original, and the production designer [Mark Scruton] was very aware of that. He talked to me about it—he’s been respectful of Bo’s [Welch] work—but he also did amazing things sets on this. The art department did a beautiful job. The blueprint is there, but it’s been seriously renovated. [I got the sense that Delia’s husband] Charles had enjoyed it all these years while Delia probably spent more time in the city and traveling. It’s still weird, but it’s definitely updated. The paint color is beautiful. Delia has had a hand in the décor. It’s prettier, but still not quite comfortable— which it never was.
QUESTION: What was your first day of filming like?
CATHERINE O’HARA: [The first day is] always a little scary before you speak open your mouth for the first time. You imagine what [you want to say,] but you’re not sure [how it will come out.] But [it was] instantly fun. Tim [Burton] is so collaborative; it’s wonderful to work with somebody who makes you feel like you have something good to offer. As soon as he sent the scripts, he wanted [our] notes and ideas, and that’s just lovely to know that you’re part of this great creation.
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QUESTION: How would you describe Delia’s relationship with Lydia (Winona Ryder) and Astrid (Jenna Ortega)?
CATHERINE O’HARA: I think [Delia and Lydia] have found a way to get along. There’s a line in the script [that suggests that] Delia’s probably jealous and, like some parents, happy for Lydia’s success at the same time. [As for Astrid,] Delia maybe sees her as a fresh, new Lydia—dry, dark, and looking around like the world isn’t nearly as cool as she is. Delia and Astrid have found fun ways to connect, [particularly over] Lydia’s relationship with Rory. I think they both see the reality of that. Lydia finds [Astrid] entertaining, and it’s entertaining to watch Lydia take the same crap from Astrid that Delia took from Lydia.
QUESTION: Was there much ad-libbing on set?
CATHERINE O’HARA: When you have such a good script, like this one, it just [sparks] ideas. When something’s not well-written, it [shuts off your brain]. But when it’s well-written and there are great ideas there, you want to try things. Michael [Keaton] added great improvisation. When you have a good script, you play with it, and we most certainly did.
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