Interview with Joelle Carter

Joelle Carter plays Ava Crowder in the crime drama "Justified", a young woman who has to go through life on her own after she got rid of her abusive husband, a member of the criminal Crowder family. Joelle talks about her thoughts on the show and about working with Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins. She also tells us about her experiences on the set of "High Fidelity" and "American Pie 2".

Foto: Copyright: Mark Seliger / FX
© Mark Seliger / FX

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1. "Justified" is one of the few shows on TV that have it all: a brilliant cast, realistic and witty writing, characters the viewers care for and just essentially a cool look. What's the best part working on such a show?

The show is really a lot of fun for me, and I love playing Ava. She is vulnerable and damaged, yet she never gives up on life. She wears her heart on her sleeve and has a huge desire to be in love. Hopefully she will find the right person! The cast is amazing, and I work with such talented people and such wonderful characters. The best part of the show is that it is character driven. I love that the writers are open to suggestions and we are free to elaborate within the boundaries of the scenes we shoot. The show takes place in the South and that lends to a number of qualities that makes the show so great. I think fans really relate to the real life struggles these characters face, which is rewarding.

2. Ava doesn't want to leave her hometown even though the Crowders threaten her life for shooting her abusive husband Bowman. Can you relate to her not wanting to leave on any account?

I think Ava finally realized that her original dreams of getting out of Kentucky were made a long time ago. She is a different person now and she likes what she knows. She knows Harlan County, the people, the food, the talk and the way of life. Sometimes home is all you need and getting away from it makes that even clearer. I relate to finally discovering what you want in life and how hard the realization of what you want can be. Once you know you have to fight for it. It becomes your existence… so yes.

3. After all that has happened to Ava with the Crowders she takes Boyd in into her home. Why do you think she does that?

I think Ava takes Boyd into her home because she truly believes people can change. She believes everyone deserves a second chance and he is family… he is home to her. Family is big in the south. You don't choose them but you are stuck with them for better or worse. Boyd and Ava have known each other for a long time and they care for each other in there own way. She also needs help with those bills and it sure is nice to have a man around for a little protection. Ava ain't no dummy.

4. Is there a chance for Ava to fall in love with a man with Boyd's past if he's really convincingly changed?

I believe there is always a chance for love in Ava's life. I think she is a woman who really needs it. Boyd will have to prove himself, but he may just be the one who could love unconditionally if he puts his mind to it and Ava has never really had that forever kind of love.

5. You work with two of the most charismatic actors in TV, Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins. What is working with them like? Are they very different from each other?

Tim and Walton are very different which makes it wonderful for an actress. They are both dedicated to their crafts. Tim tends to roll in with a lot of energy and a lot of opinions about the work. He likes to keep it light and have fun. He loves last minute changes, which can keep you on your toes. Walton is quiet and keeps to himself. He definitely has his opinions but usually stuff is worked out before the day of the scene. Walton is the kind of actor who brings in full dynamic choices and will always give you something wonderful to act with. They are both a pleasure to work with because they are always there for the better of the scene. In the acting world you would call them givers. I never feel like I am on my own, and I know they have my back. I am a lucky girl!

6. How do you as actors approach love scenes in case you hardly know the person opposite you?

I was lucky that I got to know both of these men well before the scenes were shot. This gives you a chance to get comfortable with each other. They are both gentlemen and very easy to shoot love scenes with. I think for me I always hope for men that will talk about what we are going to do and joke about it a bit. Then we look at each other and say lets have fun and go home to our loved ones.

7. "Justified" is a very challenging show for viewers and probably for the actors, too. For example Walton Goggins did have to say some heavy stuff in the pilot. Is there something you wouldn't say or do in terms of storyline even in a high quality program?

I think you have to take every situation in each project into consideration. If something is against your belief system but the point you get across teaches the lesson you want people to hear, sometimes you play the part.

8. On DVDs you sometimes find bloopers from the shooting. What moments would you put in a "Justified" gag reel?

I love bloopers! If they have them they should put them in because they are fun. I wouldn't like to see the stunt I just did in one scene where I fell on my butt. It was a little embarrassing.

9. You were in "High Fidelity" and "American Pie 2". Can you tell us a little bit about the experience? Do you remember any funny anecdotes from the set?

High Fidelity was such a pleasure to shoot. I have always had a crush on Mr. Cusack and loved his work. It was one of my first big movies and I met a lot of wonderful people who embraced my young enthusiasm. Stephen Frears was such a grounded and direct director, and Chicago was a blast. I had a lot of fun and am so happy to be a part of the cult classic that is "High Fidelity".

"American Pie" was plan fun! Jason Biggs and I were in bed all day with Eugene Levy… need I say more?!?! I remember the director wanted Jason in a thong because they could see his boxers when he jumped out of bed. Jason said okay as long as the director and producers dropped their trousers and walked around in their underwear. I remember I had a really hard time keeping a straight face because Eugene was so funny and you never knew what he was going to do. Loved both projects.

10. If you could put together an entire crew for a movie or show: Who would be the director? Who would be the writer? And who would be in the leading role(s)?

Oh, good question. I will have to think about that one and get back to you.

11. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about TV series, do you have a favorite show?

I have been watching "The Good Wife" and I can't get enough. Julianna Margulies is my hero! I would love to work on that show with her. I am a big fan of "Breaking Bad" and I have a crush on Bryan Cranston. I enjoyed the new series "Walking Dead"!

Nicole Oebel - myFanbase