Sigourney Weaver: From Corporate Queen to Ghostbuster in 1988
The year 1988 saw Sigourney Weaver, already a Hollywood icon thanks to her role in the iconic "Alien" franchise, dominate the box office with two wildly different roles: the ambitious and ruthless Katharine Parker in "Working Girl" and the eccentric Dr. Peter Venkman's love interest, Dana Barrett, in "Ghostbusters 2." This interview, originally published in a major magazine, captures the actress's candid thoughts on both films and her career trajectory.
"Working Girl": A Woman of Ambition and Power
Interviewer: You've played characters who are both powerful and vulnerable, but Katharine Parker in "Working Girl" seems to be a different breed altogether. She's ambitious, ruthless, and unapologetically driven. What attracted you to this role?
Weaver: Well, for one thing, I was attracted to the film's central theme of a woman's journey to achieve her dreams in a male-dominated world. Katharine is a woman who plays the game, and she plays it well. She's not afraid to step on toes, and she certainly doesn't shy away from taking risks. I admired her tenacity, even if I didn't necessarily agree with all of her methods.
Interviewer: It seems like Katharine is a far cry from the strong, independent Ripley in the "Alien" series. Was this a conscious choice to explore different facets of female characters?
Weaver: Absolutely. I've always sought out roles that challenge me as an actress and that allow me to explore different aspects of womanhood. Ripley and Katharine are both strong, but in very different ways. Ripley is driven by survival, while Katharine is motivated by ambition. I believe that women are multifaceted and can be powerful in many different ways.
"Ghostbusters 2": A Lighthearted Take on the Paranormal
Interviewer: Now let's talk about "Ghostbusters 2." It's a lighter film than "Working Girl," filled with humor and special effects. Did you enjoy the change of pace?
Weaver: (laughs) It was a lot of fun! The "Ghostbusters" franchise is all about having a good time, and that's what we all did on set. I love working with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis. They're incredibly funny guys and made the experience a joy.
Interviewer: Do you think the film will be as successful as the original "Ghostbusters"?
Weaver: I hope so! We had a great time making it, and the fans seemed to really enjoy the first film. "Ghostbusters 2" takes the paranormal in a new direction, and I think people will be surprised by the twists and turns.
Interviewer: What's next for you? Any future projects you're excited about?
Weaver: I'm always looking for roles that challenge me and allow me to grow as an actress. I'm currently reading a few scripts, and I'm excited to see what the future holds. I'm not afraid to take risks and experiment with different genres.
Sigourney Weaver: An Evolving Icon
Sigourney Weaver's 1988 interview reveals a woman who was not afraid to embrace diverse roles, pushing the boundaries of Hollywood's expectations of female actors. Her performance in both "Working Girl" and "Ghostbusters 2" cemented her status as a versatile and captivating actress. Even today, she continues to challenge herself, proving that she is more than just a "science fiction" actress and a true icon of Hollywood.