A night of horror and humor

MANILA, Philippines - Imogen Poots is an actress on the rise who challenges herself with each new role and continues to evolve with each project she takes on. Now, she stars in DreamWorks Pictures’ new horror thriller Fright Night as Amy, Charley’s (Anton Yelchin) beautiful and popular girlfriend who’s highly coveted by Jerry (Colin Farrell), the vampire-next-door.

“When I first read the screenplay, it was exciting because there’s a real combination of horror and humor,” Poots says. “It’s not a purely gruesome film. It has real character. Amy’s relationship with Charley is sweet. As the story unfolds, they’re obviously on this adventure together. It’s really about what they learn about one another, and themselves.”

Excerpts from the interview with Poots:

What do you think about our culture’s fascination with vampires?

“I think the fascination has developed because the vampire is such a malleable creature and represents hyper-sexuality and religious imagery. Fright Night is a movie that goes back to the original form of the vampire, which is that they are predators in a horror environment.”

Did you and director Craig Gillespie have the same ideas for your character?

“I believe we did. We didn’t want her to be dismissed as ‘just the girlfriend,’ an object for the male protagonist to bounce off. We also wanted her to take part in some of the humor and find a dynamic there that was light and poignant and real.”

How was it battling with a vampire?

“Well, Charley and Amy are battling a vampire but they’re also battling to not lose their innocence. That’s part of why you love them and want it to work out for them. They don’t understand the greater force that Jerry personifies, which is everything you have no control over and succumb to in the world. They don’t understand that there are things in the world that make you seem completely insignificant.”

How embarrassing are your intimate scenes with Anton?

“They’re not too embarrassing. You just get on with it.”

How was working with Colin?

“He’s a very intelligent man, charming and a very gentle, extraordinary, fun actor. I love him.  Plus, the film we were making is fun and watching him transform into Jerry the vampire was really intriguing.” 

(Fright Night opens Sept. 7 in theaters.)