Frage: What was it about STATE OF PLAY that made you want to be in it?

RI loved the BBC series, and I was very curious about Kevin’s interpretation of it because I really liked his work.

Frage: How do you see your character, the journalist Della Frye?

Rachel McAdams: I see her as a woman who is struggling to figure out what kind of person she is and what kind of journalist she is going to be. Della has just landed this great job at this newspaper she completely respects and is trying to find the way to stay afloat, especially as she is expected to do everything in a new way.

Frage: What would you say you have in common with her?

Rachel McAdams: I did my best to navigate through the strange world my character was in. And I felt similar to her in that, as an actress, I was kind of the rookie among this amazing cast.

Frage: The cast of STATE OF PLAY includes names like Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels… What did you learn from them?

Rachel McAdams: It’s hard to sum up what I learned from them all, as a lot of it came by osmosis, but the truth is that they made me feel very comfortable. However, I still get kind of shy around such great actors.

Frage: How would you describe the relationship Della Frye has with Cal McAffrey, the old-school successful journalist she butts heads with at the beginning of the story, played by Russell Crowe?

Rachel McAdams: Cal and Della are on opposite sides of the same fence and antagonistic to begin with, but deep inside I think they genuinely like each other. It’s great to see them partner up.

Frage: Did you enjoy building that relationship together with Russell?

Rachel McAdams: That was my favorite part of this job because Russell made it really fun.

Frage: What was he like to work with?

Rachel McAdams: I was a bit intimidated at first, but he helped me a lot. And he actually fabricated that pen necklace he gave me in the film, which I thought was very sweet of him.

Frage: How did you prepare for your role?

Rachel McAdams: We were invited to The Washington Post, which was really great, and I got to spend time with some journalists there. It is interesting to see how they are not as comfortable answering questions as they are at asking them.

Frage: Could you be a journalist?

Rachel McAdams: I don’t think so – due to the pressure that they have in their job on a daily basis, having to meet deadlines. I prefer to just be one as an actor.

Frage: Did STATE OF PLAY remind you of some of those great political and journalistic thrillers of the 70’s?

Rachel McAdams: Yes, it did. But, it was modernized as well, which I appreciated.

Frage: Then, how relevant do you think this movie is today?

Rachel McAdams: It is very relevant because what is happening in the media today and how it affects our world is a huge issue, particularly in politics. And it is important to study these changes and anticipate where they may lead us.

Frage: Helen Mirren plays your editor and boss in this film. How is she?

Rachel McAdams: What I love about Helen Mirren is that she is so classy and sophisticated but, at the same time, kind of girly. She still really enjoys what she does, and I like how she approaches this business in general and the way she interacts with everyone on set.

Frage: What did you think of Ben Affleck’s incarnation of Congressman Stephen Collins?

Rachel McAdams: It was amazing to see the passion he has for politics coming out in his character because he is speaking from such an honest place.

Frage: Jason Bateman’s performance as the slick and slimy Dominic Foy also brought some humor to the table…

Rachel McAdams: Jason did such a good job because that character had so many layers. Russell and I looked at each other after his first take, and I think our jaws dropped!

Frage: What is Kevin Macdonald like as a director?

Rachel McAdams: He is a really kind, talented and calm director. This was a big ship to steer, with a lot of moving parts, but Kevin always kept his wits about him. And he is also very flexible.

Frage: In what way?

Rachel McAdams: Because he had to tell this complex story in which everything had to add up, but at the same time, he was open to other peoples’ ideas. Kevin was a delight to be around, and he never faltered under pressure.

Frage: Did you enjoy shooting most of STATE OF PLAY in Washington, DC where the action takes place?

Rachel McAdams: That was a true luxury because there is a certain buzz in the air there that I really enjoy.

Frage: In your opinion, what is the main theme of this movie?

Rachel McAdams: I think STATE OF PLAY is about a great shift in the media and how it is connected to politics. It is about the power of truth.

Frage: How do you believe the struggle between the traditional and new media is portrayed?

Rachel McAdams: From what I understand, I believe it is a fair portrayal of what is happening. There is a real division between them, and it would be nice if they could meet somewhere.

Frage: Where do you get your news and information?

Rachel McAdams: I mainly like to listen to the radio.