Kat Dennings is dancing in a Four Seasons hallway when we arrive for our interview. Clad in a white blouse and black suit, with porcelain skin and ocean blue eyes, Dennings is as striking in person as she is on-screen. When Michael Cera appears in a tightly buttoned polo shirt clutching the red backpack he takes to every interview, they look like the perfect Chess Club co-captains who happen to be dating.
Cera's boyish charm and Dennings's sophisticated drawl make it impossible not to dote on the duo, who are working together for the first time in Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, an indie film that tracks the budding relationship between two musical hipsters.
Cera, a Canadian actor best known for Juno, Superbad and Arrested Development, is gradually acclimating to American film culture. "I was surprised to find that no one says shit-disturber," he chuckles. [Ed. note: A shit-disturber is someone who stirs up trouble. In other words, disturbs the shit.] "Also, I miss Canadian chocolate. Even though it's British."
Dennings, a Philadelphia native who has starred in Sex and the City, Raising Dad and Charlie Bartlett was excited to play a Jewish lead. "I had to get the crew to help me pronounce some of the Hebrew words," she says, in her appealing self-deprecating way.
Pulling all-nighters to shoot the film in New York in November 2007, the two drew upon their industry influences to prepare for their roles. Cera models himself after Robert Altman's Elliott Gould from M.A.S.H., and Dennings prefers Steve Martin's outlandish hilarity. "I would love to pick Gary Shandling's brain," Cera shyly admits, which prompts Dennings to exclaim, "Eddie Izzard! I'd like to make out with him. Make sure you print that."
Cera and Dennings's chemistry is apparent, but the refreshing earnestness of their characters is conspicuously absent, as evidenced by pared-down answers and a seeming lack of awareness of their budding fame. "I'm just taking it slow and seeing what happens" is recited by both actors several times during the interview.
Indeed, the two are noncommittal about the implications of a new film genre that features teens but caters to adults. "I just really liked the script," Dennings says.
They're more forthcoming about the film's soundtrack, a mix of bouncy, feel-good tunes and the occasional rocker tribute. "We didn't have any influence on the music selection, but I think people lock onto the songs," Cera muses, sipping his second cup of coffee.
Cera's publicist has done a great job; the actor is practically mum about the possibility of an Arrested Development movie. As far as he knows, there is no script, but that doesn't bother him. "Honestly, I think it's nice to get out when you run out of steam - you leave people wanting more and you can always rewatch the DVDs." Sorry, AD fans.
The duo's future plans are tentative; Cera's coming out with another film in February, but isn't sure what his dream project would be in the long term. Dennings wants to get involved in other aspects of filmmaking, like directing, and has written a screenplay for her brother.
But it's Dennings last piece of advice that allows a glimpse into her witty, playful side. "Don't go into acting. You'll doom yourself to a life of rejection and torment. Unless, of course, that's what you want"
