SELINA UKKONEN TALKS SECOND ACT

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

What do you think it is that we all love and are drawn to in romantic comedies?

Safety, like a reassurance I think. We already know the arc of the story, there will be magical love and a happy ending. It is a familiar, and often normative, framework. I watched a lot of romcoms as a little girl, but these days I turn to them when I am sick and in need of comfort and warmth. Romantic comedies are a bit like chocolates in film form.

Do you have a favorite romcom?

'Notting Hill'. Or just anything with Julia Roberts.

In 'Second Act', a woman finds new joy and meaning in her life through her encounter with an actor. What did your own encounter with the art of acting look like?

I remember that as a five-year-old, I got a small commercial job, we went out to an island in the Finnish archipelago, and everything was beautiful, the sun, the sea. I had to walk in uncomfortable red clogs on the rocks and eat a big bowl of strawberries with my brother while they filmed us. It was an adventure, and I even got my own money for it. With my pay, I bought a Baby Born doll that could pee! That was when I realized there was such an exciting job in the grown-up world.

What does acting give you?

Acting gives me a zest for living, a sense of belonging, and purpose. I love the collective that theatre and film work do create.

Part of acting is to gather impressions in order to later be able to express them yourself. How did you prepare for the role of Linn. Which check-boxes did you fill in to see who Linn is to be able to portray her?

It has been a while since we filmed 'Second Act', but I remember sticking to the same exercises I always do, and Linn came to me quite intuitively through that work. The wardrobe further guided her personality, I got a bunch of fake tattoos which was cool. You don’t get to see that many sides of Linn since the film’s focus is elsewhere, of course, but she meant a lot to me personally. This was my very first film role, and getting to act alongside such experienced actors as Lena Olin and Charlie Gustafsson was something special.

A first film role in the first major Swedish film release of the year. How are the premiere nerves right now?

It’s so fun that people can finally see the film and experience the journey!

What are your hopes for after the premiere, what types of roles would you love to take on?

I’d love to learn a new skill for a role, like playing tennis or speaking a new language, as long as I don’t have to walk on my hands or go bungee jumping. Ugh, that would be so terrifying!