| 
Compiled by: Jack Foley
Q. How did you prepare to play the hippo? Was there any
special preparation required?
A: The great thing is that basically we’re chosen
to play these particular characters because there are certain
characteristics that we have, that match the characteristics of
the character that we’re playing. It wasn’t difficult.
Q. Were the kids amused to see Mum as a hippo?
A: After seeing Dad as a fish........ anything’s
possible.
Q. I guess playing a hippo at least meant that you never
have a bad hair day?
A: I didn’t have any thoughts about the look of
the character, I thought how they designed Gloria was great, she’s
such a sexy, full-figured girl. With really great attitude, I’m
all about attitude. I was very happy how body and attitude worked
together.
Q. Did you observe animals as part of your preparation?
And if you could be reincarnated as an animal, what would it be?
A: I’ve seen a lot of hippos, I kind of got the
gist of what was needed.
And I think if I came back as an animal I’d love to be a
black panther.
|
 |
Q. When you saw the video
of yourself doing the vocals, were you ever surprised to see how
animated your vocal performances were?
A: I’m just very animated by nature. I didn’t
have a problem, I felt like I needed as much animation coming
from my hands and body as I could conjure to help me with the
role. It was very challenging for me, because I’m so used
to having other actors to interact with. So any tools I had, I
was going to go for it. Whatever they wanted to take from that
they could, but I was going to do my thing.
And that was actually an aspect I really enjoyed, because when
you’re on the film when you do a live action, you really
do have to be careful, being as animated. Depending on what role
you’re playing. So that was actually fun to do.
Q. Do you find that your own kids are your hardest audience?
A: My oldest son, who will be 13 later this year, is
probably the harshest critic in the house.
He saw Madagascar before I did, and he came home and said he loved
it, that he wanted to screen it for his friends. That made me
really excited, because it’s really hard to impress Trey,
so I knew from then on that we had a hit.
Katzenberg: He was pretty tough on Will after
Shark Tale.
Pinkett Smith: Trey and Jaden were. My kids,
I don’t know what they’re becoming, but they’re
like these experts on movies telling us what we needed to do.
Get to know Gloria the Hippo:
Real™ High | Real™
Medium l Real™
Low
Windows™
High l Windows™
Medium l Windows™
Low
Madagascar: Review
Ben Stiller interview
Chris Rock interview
|
