We all know her best as troubled youth Jen on Dawson's Creek, and fondly remember her for films such as Dick, Halloween H20, But I'm a Cheerleader and, of course, Lassie. Now Michelle Williams is taking her career to the next level, as she boldly abandons Hollywood (goodbye Lassie) and makes her mark on the independent film industry. In her latest release, The Station Agent, Michelle plays a character (Emily) who is somewhat like Jen, except her man is no Dawson. Michelle has left them all behind (even Grams) and has accepted her first role ever across from a dwarf -- though, she claims, a studly one.
Michelle, would you say that your role in this film has radically altered your political views on dwarfism?
(Laughs) Umm... (Laughs)... I don't know that I had any political views on dwarfism. Maybe it altered my humanitarian views. I see what Peter goes through in restaurants and just walking down the street, and he handles it all beautifully, so I have a lot of respect for that.
Would you say that you'd now be inclined to romantically involve yourself with a dwarf?
No, I don't think my boyfriend would like that.
Of your non-dwarf-related films, which did you enjoy playing the most? Which of your roles do you think you've had the strongest connection with?
Oh, gosh. I don't know if I could pick one.
Lassie?
No, definitely not that. Hmm, when I was 18 I did this play called Killer Joe, and my role in that was just a total dream to play. It was really violent, and it was totally where I was at at the time, so maybe that.
Do you prefer doing theater to film?
Sometimes, because I don't have to watch myself afterwards. I think that I'm a chicken about all that stuff. Like, I've been doing more ensemble pieces lately. I don't always want to do the lead role. You know, sometimes I just like working in miniature.
In miniature, is that a reference to dwarfism?
No, I mean doing ensemble work.
Are there any backstage scandals or amusing anecdotes from filming The Station Agent that you'd be willing to share?
I don't know that I'd be willing to share any. Actually, I'm reminded that there was a little bit of drinking going on offset. We were all staying at the same hotel, a Howard Johnson in the middle of New Jersey. So there was a lot of knocking on peoples' doors at strange hours.
Sounds fun.
It really was.
Have you seen any other movies that you've enjoyed recently?
Let's see... I feel like I've watched things on DVD but I can't remember what they were. I saw Night and Fog. That was a scary movie, it was about the Holocaust.
So do you think you'll be sticking to film now that you're off television?
Yeah, I think so. I just really can't imagine, can't imagine, imagine, imagine, imagine ever doing that again. I don't know. The wounds are a little fresh.
What do you mean by the wounds?
Well, at the end of the show my feelings were a little hurt because they were killing me, and I thought that it meant they didn't like me. I did have some reservations about my character, sexually speaking... that she would have a baby and then die. I thought that it was kind of a bad message. She was a slut who had redeemed herself with this child, and then they just kill her.
What kinds of roles do you see yourself playing in the future?
I don't know -- I think I'm just trying to be honest with myself. I want to do things for the right reasons. I think I've already played all my dream roles, so now I don't really know where I'm at. I think I might be ready for a break.
