REBEKAH GRAF TALKS THE DIRT

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

Opening at the Pacific Cinema Dome in Hollywood and out on Netflix all around the world, ‘The Dirt’ is based on the book written by the band in collaboration with Neil Strauss. When did you first hear about there being a movie?

I first heard about 'The Dirt' when I was sent the script and appointment to audition for it. I originally auditioned for both Sharise Neil and Heather Locklear but knew that I was always a better fit for the role of Heather. Upon first reading the script, I thought that it was absolutely wild. I laughed and cried and wondered how they would ever get away with some of the scenes that they had written. Amazingly, they did!

What was your relation to the band and glam rock before being cast. Did you, or do you now, have any favourite Mötley Crüe songs?

I was admittedly not the biggest glam rock fan growing up in small town Texas, but I definitely have a huge appreciation for Mötley Crüe now that I have spent so much time with their music. My favourite songs of theirs would have to either be 'Home Sweet Home' or 'Girls Girls Girls'. They have drastically different vibes, but 'Home Sweet Home' is so wonderfully emotional and epic. While 'Girls Girls Girls' is possibly the crowing party-anthem around the eighties on the Sunset strip.

We get to see a lot of iconic people that’ve surrounded the band, such as Tony Cavalier as Ozzy Osbourne and Christian Gehring as David Lee Roth. But you play Heather Locklear, actress and ex-wife of Tommy Lee. How did you approach playing someone who’s not only a real person, but also one that’s still around. Did you hesitate playing a real life person?

I never hesitated to play a real person. I felt, and still feel, incredibly honored to have been chosen to portray Heather at this time in her life, and to be able to tell a part of her story. I unfortunately never had the chance to sit down with her, but I watched all of the interviews and shows that she was on during that time to try to get a feel for her demeanor. Sharise Neil was wonderful in reaching out to both Leven Rambin and I, and telling us stories about what they, Sharise and Heather, went through.

Heather personify a certain kind of charisma. Having that unique blend between sweet and feisty elegance. Somehow being the sweet girl next door and the girl in the front row of a rock concert at the very same time. You certainly look the part, but how much would you say you have in common with Heather?

Heather and I have quite a lot in common. We are both actresses from tight-knit families, and from the stories that Sharise shared with me she seems to have had a personality at that time that is quite similar to mine. As much as I love to stay in and read, and be the quintessential girl next door, if given the opportunity to be backstage at a rock concert, or go on any sort of adventure, I’m not the kind to shy away.

Presumably you have now gotten to meet the band, what did they think of your portrayal of her?

I was lucky enough to meet the band at the premiere and Vince before at one of his shows. They are wonderful. They are kind, and fun, and greeted all of us with open arms. Tommy loved my portrayal of Heather, which obviously meant a lot to me.

What was it like playing off of Machine Gun Kelly as Tommy Lee?

Colson is not only kind and an incredibly generous actor, he is incredibly talented. Truly. He’s also enthusiastic about his art, which comes across in his performance. He is the real deal and I couldn’t have asked for a better Tommy.

Coming out of Texas, what kind of opportunities were there to pursue acting at the time you were there?

Not many. I was a theatre major at the University of Texas and I always knew that I wanted to act. But I always knew that I would eventually end up in Los Angeles. I was an incredibly imaginative, empathetic kid. I had a brain that never stopped spinning and a lot of emotion that needed to be released somehow. Acting just did it for me. I love telling stories, whether they’re mine, or someone else’s. Playing make-believe for the rest of my life just seemed too good to be true.

What was it like being directed by Jeff Tremaine. He’s, of course, known from 'Jackass' and MTV. Did that background show in any way while he was directing this movie?

Jeff is wonderful, he really respects his actors and he also really listens to them. I’m grateful to have worked with him. Jeff was incredibly excited and passionate about 'The Dirt', and I think that shows in the film. He brought a really positive energy to set and honestly just made it all a blast to be a part of. I remember filming the scene where Heather tells Tommy that they are getting a divorce, and Tommy punches through a glass wall. It was a loud day, with the shattering glass and the explosion, but the energy just seemed to get bigger and better as the night went on. This film was a blast to shoot. There was honestly never a dull moment, and I attribute a lot of that to Jeff.

This will not be the last we see of you this year. 'Grace and Grit' is another biographical drama based on a book. Is that what’s next for you?

'Grace and Grit' is a film that I am incredibly proud to be a part of. Ken Wilbur wrote such a gorgeous, incredibly important story about his wife, and Mena and Stuart did a breathtaking job portraying them. I was so lucky to work alongside those two. And I am also currently finishing another film in the Dominican Republic that's also based on a true story that will be airing at the end of July, that has been a far departure from anything I have ever worked on, so keep an eye out for that. More to come!