An Interview with Actress Gabrielle Stone
Gabrielle Stone, the daughter of famed actors Dee Wallace (E.T, The Howling) and Christopher Stone (Cujo, The New Lassie), is carving out a formidable acting career of her own these days. Her latest film, Stray, available on Amazon and Google Play, sees her play a killer who decides to settle down in a small town and start a family.
Hi Gabrielle, it’s great to meet you.
Are you a horror fan?
Of course! I love a well done horror film.
What’s your first horror movie experience? Has it stayed with you?
Scream. I was 15. I didn’t sleep for a month.
Ha! We know the feeling.
What do you think of the state of horror movies today?
I think some horror films are just meant for blood and guts…Which is fine because there is a market for that but I love horror films with good scripts that make you think. If all it has is boobs and blood it’s not living up to the genre in my opinion.
We completely agree with you. Something has been lost in translation. Suspense seems to be overlooked in favor of shock-value.
Have you seen any good ones lately?
We recently saw Ouiji which I thought was well done. It was awesome to see Henry Thomas in a role like that. We also just saw Goodnight Mommy. THAT is how true horror is done.
Yep, they are both great examples of good horror.
What was it about ‘Stray’ that interested you?
The script was layered and compelling. It was so well written it was easy to be drawn to. But what I loved most was the layers of the characters.
And can you tell us about your character?
Jennifer was SO much fun to play. Trying to find the love and forgiving qualities underneath all the hate and evil she possessed was a challenge for me. It definitely was my kind of role and I loved bringing her to life.
Stray sounds very intereting.
Did it rely a lot on improv?
Not at all. Luckily the script was so well written by Nena Eskridge it didn’t need a lot of improv.
Who is the director?
Nena Eskridge. Wonderful human being.
How did you get along? She collaborative?
We got along from our first phone call. She was worried I wasn’t going to be okay looking so ‘ugly’ on screen. That’s really my favorite way to look; lots less pressure! She really let the actors bring their own style and creativity to set which I so appreciated. I always felt she trusted my instincts.
It seems like you and Nena have an excellent relationship, that always helps when filming.
Have you a favorite moment in Stray?
Hmm. There’s a few. There’s a scene between Dan McGlaughlin and I in the kitchen where he confronts me about breastfeeding. It was such a real reaction when we were doing the scene. I’m also very partial to the final scene in the film. Without giving too much away, I feel this is where you see the broken little girl in Jennifer that never healed.
We are looking forward to seeing it. Sounds like some great moments.
What do you think audiences will take away from it?
I think audiences will be challenged to decide who Jennifer really is. And what judgements we place on people before knowing the whole truth.
What else do you have coming up?
In September I wrapped a horror film called ‘Rock Paper Dead’ directed by Tom Holland with Maureen McCormick, Tatum O’Neal, and Luke Macfarlane. I have a festival film called ‘Swell’ in post production and just finished ‘The Competition’ with Chris Klein and Thora Birch.
Wow! You are busy! Well good luck with these projects, I am sure they will do well. Thanks for your time today Gabrielle and good luck for the future.
