Melanie Scrofano – Ready or Not

By starrymag | August 28, 2019

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) The film feels like Clue for homicidal families.  Is it “the family that slays together stays together” or is it more like “bride’s bloodbath beware?”

 

A) This film is an ode to greed’s downfall. It’s a love letter to anyone who has felt the injustice of hard work and no reward, where others have had all luck and all reward.

 

Q) Emilie seems to be a disappointment to her family, nothing she does is right. What can we expect from these family dynamics besides the dysfunction fun that comes with a good game?

 

A) Emilie is definitely the black sheep of the family and precisely the reason for why she is the black sheep is going to be part of why she does nothing right in this movie.

 

Q) The cinematography of the movie is so dark and textured, it really amps up the suspense and adrenaline rush of the scenes and terrifying twists. How does the movie tone really play up the themes we see?

 

A) The tone of the locations was perfect for this movie and the cinematography enhances the moodiness of the house while also making it feel decadent and over-the-top luxurious. The lush cinematography captured the feeling that anything could come out of these walls at any time, but also that it’s an incredibly privileged and beautiful world they live in so you can understand what’s at stake for the characters; they would have a hard time giving it up, no matter what the cost.

 

Q) The film really balances well both the horror and humor that is juxtaposed. How does the film stay true the genre while packing on the punchlines simultaneously?

 

A) Everything about this family and their lifestyle is absurd. Not to nod to the absurdity with humor would make it a straight up horror instead of satire and would miss the mark completely at making a statement about these types of people.

 

Q) You get to team up with Kristian Brunn as your baby daddy, and you seem perfectly paired on screen.  What was your favorite part of working with him and how did you work at setting each other up and laying down the dialogue?

 

A) The best pre-production moment was Kristian sending me a DM saying “Hi wife!” It’s always nice to work with someone you are comfortable with because some of that familiarity is already established and you can just build on it. We just talked about the dynamics between our characters a little bit, as well as their lifestyle and where they come from. Not so much as “homework,” but just talking about the craziness of these two. And then we just let it go and had fun.

 

Q) With both Wynonna and Emilie you have this natural comedic delivery that is incomparable and a true art form.  How do you work through the timing of the lines and the pacing of the scenes to drop these seemingly effortless comedic quips?

 

A) I think it’s a matter of deciding where the “quip” really comes from instead of thinking of it as a quip. With Wynonna it usually comes from some kind of defense mechanism or trying to muster some bravado. With Emilie it’s probably more a place of insecurity OR a temporary coked-induced self-confidence.

 

Q) Everyone gets a weapon and Emilie wields a gun.  When Emilie is armed, is she more dangerous to herself or to anyone who ends up in her path?

 

A) I CAN’T ANSWER THAT.

 

Q) Emilie is resilient, no matter what twists come at her she may be inept but she gets back up and keeps going.  What do you think is behind and drives her resolve?

 

A) Cocaine. And making her dad happy. But mostly cocaine.

 

Q) Both Emilie and Wynonna come from preternaturally cursed families. Who do you think has it worse? 

 

A) Emilie because she has no-one to guide her to the right path. And she doesn’t have a leadership bone in her body. And she’s married to a bonehead. And she has a raging coke problem.

 

Q) Family dysfunction is at the forefront of the film, especially when it comes to this wicked game. How much does their dysfunction end up as a detriment to the family’s objective?

 

A) I suppose if the Le Domases had been better communicators and had had the old “one-day-we’re-going-to-have-to-murder-someone-together-so-prepare-yourselves-mentally” talk, they would have been able to accept their fate earlier and focus on their goal instead of wasting time arguing. So, I guess the lesson is don’t be afraid to have the important talks with your children starting at a young age.

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with fans after watching the movie?

 

A) For family game night, stick to Scrabble. And to say no to drugs.