Read our exclusive interview with Madison Dylan, who portrays Alexis on the two-part ‘Femme Fatales’ season finale, titled ‘Visions,’ which will premiere on July 29 and August 5, 2011 at 11pm on Cinemax. The late-night, film noir-inspired 13-part anthology series follows powerful, sexy and dangerous women who find extraordinary ways of coping with their problems. Dylan discusses with us, among other things, what inspired her to audition for the role of Alexis, and how the role challenged her beliefs.
Shockya (SY): You’re set to portray Alexis on Cinemax’s ‘Femme Fatale’s two-part season finale, ‘Visions.’ What was it about the show that you found most appealing that convinced you to audition for the role of Alexis?
Madison Dylan (MD): First of all, the name, ‘Femme Fatales’ sounded just so awesome! I was definitely intrigued from the beginning. Then I read the breakdown, which mentioned it was a ‘film-noir’-type of show for Cinemax. I had never really done something along those lines with such a great script! The first episode I did took place in a sorority house; that was cool because I actually went to a sorority myself…for the semester I went to college! Plus, I knew my representation would never steer me in the wrong direction! And I have to say….BEST decision of my life!!
SY: What was your auditioning process like for the role of Alexis? How did you hear about the show?
MD: I heard about the show through my manager. He mentioned that this was going to be a great show, and definitely worth going out for! From the creators of the show (Mark Altman and Steve Kriozere), casting, script…everything seemed to be perfect! It’s funny, because originally I went out for the role of Tiffany, played by Catherine Annett. I believe all the girls did. Then they would cast the other roles accordingly via personality, looks, etc. In the casting session, they made sure that I wasn’t afraid to be topless. I believe my response was, “Not at all! I love being topless!” Though I’ve never been topless on screen before this, I thought the show was definitely good enough to be my first time! I mean, there is a first time for everything! Sometimes I speak too freely, but it’s always the truth!
SY: Alexis lures men into irresistible desires that often lead them into dangerous and deadly situations. How did you prepare for the role?
MD: When I got the call saying I was cast as Alexis instead of the role of Tiffany, I re-read the script, and absolutely fell in love with Alexis! She, out of all the Femme Fatales, is closest to me, to be quite honest! Preparing for ‘Alexis’ was fun. Writing her backstory, finding out why she does the things she does, and what secrets she’s hiding, were extremely fun to figure out. It gave me a lot to work with as in mannerisms, personality, and spunk…all while being able to put on the charming and ditzy act. And one of the best parts was that in the end, ‘Alexis’ has a big turn. You find out that she is actually not ditzy and dumb at all; she was in fact the brains behind the entire operation. I have to say, if I could invent a Femme Fatale of my own, Alexis would be a dead-ringer! She is my ultimate Femme Fatale, and I love her so much! I feel so blessed that Mark and Steve wrote this character, and that I get to play her…what a privilege!
SY: ‘Visions’ follows a phony mentalist, Foster Prentiss, played by Mark Crumpton, who murders his beautiful assistant, Tara, portrayed by Jasmine Waltz. He then begins to have real visions and embarks on a plan to exploit his newfound gift. How does Alexis fit into Prentiss’ life and storyline? Does she lure him into his desire to lead him into a risky situation?
MD: In ‘Visions,’ my partner in crime, Tiffany, from ‘Girls Gone Dead,’ and Violet from ‘Bad Medicine,’ team up to find out who this ‘Lilith’ girl really is. So they decide they need someone to help them with their research. Being Tiffany’s best friend and partner in crime from before, she calls out to me, Alexis, for some help. Of course, Alexis can’t wait to get her hands dirty again once she finds out that she is involved with these visions that Foster Prentiss is having. So like always, Alexis charms her way into Prentiss’ life and bed giving him the time of his life, until………………. .
SY: You’re known for appearing in sexy roles, but you have vowed to remain pure until marriage. Did appearing in ‘Femme Fatale’ challenge your beliefs, or did the role of Alexis reaffirm your decision?
MD: Well this is a time I’m glad I’m not on camera! I have to say in all honesty, I am not necessarily waiting until marriage. I’m waiting for the right guy. If that happens to be in marriage or out of it, he most definitely will be ‘the lucky man.’ I mean, that would suck if I was 40 years old still waiting for marriage. They could make a sequel about me “40-Year-Old Virgin 2.” Being Alexis has been so much fun. I’m a free-spirit in real life, so it gives me opportunities to be fun and crazy without actually doing the dirty. Alexis’ nudity is all very flirtatious and charming…a lot of fun!
SY: ‘Femme Fatale’ is inspired by, and styled in, the tradition of film noir and graphic novels, and takes place in contemporary settings. Are you a fan of film noir and graphic novels, and why do you think the genre has such a large following?
MD: Before this show, I wouldn’t have known how to answer this question. ‘Femme Fatales’ has opened my eyes to a whole new world that I feel robbed that I missed out on in previous years. Watching the show, which has the ‘film noir’ aspect to it, draws you in like nothing else. It’s dark, dangerous, sexy, etc. So much fun! And I have to say, I am drawn to any film noir movie or television show after having the privilege to work on this show. And after going to Comic Con, I never wanted to leave. I felt like I was in fairytale land. I seriously wanted to live at Comic Con. The graphic novels there were so incredible! People are extremely talented, and these comic books are unreal! Right now, I am reading ‘Elvis Van Helsing,’ which two of the writers, (Mark) Altman and (Steve) Kriozere themselves, wrote. And I have to say, these guys are geniuses! I definitely recommend this comic book to anyone and everyone!
SY: Since the show airs on Cinemax, a premium cable network, is it given any creative freedoms that it wouldn’t have received if it was on a regular cable network?
MD: Oh yes!! The freedom is the best part. We can develop our character to the max! Cinemax, the directors, producers, creators and everyone else on set, give you an extremely long leash to work with. Instead of saying, “That’s a little too much,” they say, “Give me more!!” That part is exciting.
SY: You have also guest-starred on such shows as ‘Entourage’ and ‘Accidentally on Purpose.’ How does appearing on ‘Femme Fatale,’ a mystery-thriller, differ from appearing on comedy shows?
MD: Well comedy seems to come to me much more easily, and is always a lot of fun! Appearing on ‘Femme Fatales’ was an AWESOME change of pace! In general, my favorite shows and movies are always mystery-thrillers, and I’ve been dying to be in one. The fact that I get to play ‘Alexis,’ which is a very comedic character, yet has a dark and dangerous side, is so much fun! It’s like my two dreams are coming together! At times, I can’t even bring words to my mouth with how excited I am to be a part of such an amazing experience. I am so blessed!
SY: Your first acting role was as Tara in the 2006 horror film ‘Are You Scared?’ How did you break into acting, and land the role? Did you have any professional acting training?
MD: I actually always loved entertaining people from back in high school. I got the nickname Spaddie because if you put ‘Madie’ and ‘Spaz’ together, you get Spaddie! If people were ever in a bad mood, I would try and cheer them up by doing a ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ dance, ‘Man Voices,’ etc. I have to say, some people get extremely uncomfortable when I bust out the man voices though. I was planning on playing softball as a pitcher in college. By my junior year, I knew that was not what I wanted to do anymore though. So I went to college to study theatre at SDSU because it was the closest I could get to LA. After one semester, my parents whom I love with all my heart, allowed me to follow my dream in Los Angeles. Not a lot of people have this sort of opportunity, and I feel very privileged that I actually do. They are also my biggest fans! My wonderful manager, Cary Anderson, is my acting coach now. When I first moved here, I studied at multiple places 5 days a week. Now, I stick to my manager with all of my coaching. He is amazing!
SY: What advice do you have for anyone interested in becoming a film and television actor?
MD: My advice is if you are not afraid of rejection (first and foremost), have a strong support team behind you, have the drive to do whatever it takes and be willing to stay out here and spend your WHOLE life pursuing your dream…Then DO IT!!!
Written by: Karen Benardello
