Yesterday, I posted key snippets of my interviews with the men of The Best of Me — James Marsden, Luke Bracey and author Nicholas Sparks — and, most importantly, I shared photos.
Today, it’s all about the women.
In the movie, Michelle Monaghan and Liana Liberato both star as Amanda, today and 20 years ago, respectively. They are actresses I respect so much, and I adored Michelle in True Detective and Liana in Trust.
We asked Michelle why she took the role, how she’s like her character and whether she had the same feeling about the 11 minute sex scene as James Marsden did.
“Oh, my gosh. You know what? I get paid to do a job. And I’m very, very professional. I’m very professional. So, yes, um-hmm.
Seriously, James and I’ve had some really fun scenes. Look at him. He’s standing at the ice cream truck right now. He’s so cute. I mean, look at him. Don’t you just want to scoop him back? [REPLY FROM LOIS: “YES.”] Sorry. We’ve had some great scenes in this Stingray, and that’s been really nice because we’ve just been driving outside with the top down. And it’s a great old car. But, truly, I’ve enjoyed shooting every day with him because he’s so easygoing and he’s a great actor. He’s just a total pleasure.
When I read the script — and I’ve been a fan of Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook, all of that — it really struck a chord with me because it was so powerful. It’s about love and loss and second chances. As an older woman now — I hate to say that — a more mature woman, I guess — I’ve lived life a bit.
I’ve been happily married for 15 years and have a great family. But I’ve had prior relationships. And whether you’re happily married or not, I still think it’s human nature to think, ‘What if I’d stayed in that relationship?’ because there were so many close calls. Do you know what I mean? And I don’t regret any of them because I’ve learned what I wanted from each of them, as we all have. You learn what you don’t want. You learn what you need. And thank goodness, I’ve got them all in this little package at home. But, you still can’t help thinking, ‘What if?’ And I think that’s why people are going to relate to it — because you can sort of see the choices and the history in yourself.”
Amanda’s younger self is played by Liana, who wasn’t even born 20 years ago! She told us about sharing a character with Michelle and kissing Luke Bracey, and assured us that the young Amanda is “a normal teenage girl who, instead of listening to an iPod, listens to her Walkman.”
“Michelle and I met before filming and sat down and kind of discussed what we wanted to do with the character — the similarities and the differences because there are some years in between, so there are obviously going to be some differences. We picked out a couple of mannerisms that we thought would be interesting for consistency. Originally, we wanted to do something with our ear, but I never did it. Instead, every time Amanda was in a strenuous situation, she’d always go to her necklace, and as soon as I realized that, I texted Michelle instantly. I was like, ‘Just so you know, when my character’s stressed, I play with my necklace,’ and she was like, ‘You got it.’ And she was able to incorporate that into her character, which was so cool.
My favorite scene? I think you girls will like this one. You know, when you ask, ‘Where do you want to have your epic kiss?’ and everyone’s like, ‘In the rain, obviously.’ We did a scene on the roof and we’ve had to go back and do it again. I’m secretly like, ‘Yes! We get to do it again!’ Luke’s probably over there, thinking, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ But it’s great because, afterwards, Bracey and I were looking at each other going, ‘We’re in a Nicholas Sparks movie!’ It just kind of solidifies the fact that you’re doing a Nicholas Sparks movie when you’re kissing a guy — a really attractive guy — in the rain.
I had my first sex scene in this movie. Did you ask Bracey about this? You definitely did! It was stressful to say the least. It was really hot in the room. I was also a little nervous, but having someone like Luke to play opposite — he made me feel really comfortable, but it was a stressful day. We girls tend to get into our heads a little bit.”
Another star of The Best of Me is this gorgeous house. It’s known as the Magnolia House. If it looks familiar to you, it’s because it was Benedict Cumberbatch’s plantation in 12 Years A Slave. The grounds are stunning, and I’m dying to see the interior in the movie, which I’ll be screening in Los Angeles tomorrow.
I’m also looking forward to seeing my new friends James, Michelle, Luke and Liana, and my old friend, Nick, tomorrow. Ha ha ha ha! I will be Tweeting live from there so make sure you follow me on Twitter and follow The Best Of Me for more updates.
Oh my goodness, what a fantastic opportunity you had!
The film sounds brilliant too – one for my to-watch list.
Thank you x
OMG Lois! I love everything Nicholas Sparks writes. I LOVED the Notebook. Even my husband liked it (he watches chainsaw movies and hates chick flicks). Great article, can’t wait to see the movie!!
For fun! Never have done a set visit yet. This looks like a blast.
Coupled with Part 1, this is one of the best “behind the scenes” pieces I have read. It isn’t trite or predictable, offering fresh insight to the actors and the characters they bring to life. Great job! Can’t wait to grab my popcorn and settle in for my Nicholas Sparks fix. 🙂
Since you couldn’t say when you were here, tell me now! Where did they film? Were all of those beautiful scenes filmed at this house?
You are too cool for words. Am I still allowed in your circle of friends? Ha! So awesome, Lois.
I loved this interview, but I can’t imagine having to do a love scene. That must be so hard – how do you focus when those men are so gorgeous? Agh! Happily married…..happily married….
Have fun in LA!
And you nail it again. Have you ever considered a talk show Lois? Seriously! Thanks to you I absolutely adore both of these women. You just made a movie goer out of me. 😉
I love you and you just made me laugh so hard! I would be ridiculous with a talk show but thank you! xo
I love Nicholas Sparks! I always, always, ALWAYS cry. Never fails. I also love Michelle, she’s a brilliant actress. This looks so good!
that had to be one of the best days ever. I’m still jealous by the way.
I used to read all of his novels, but this one is new to me. I should give it a read before seeing the movie. That house is so charming.
This looks like it’s going to be another great movie from Nicholas Sparks. I know many of my friends would have jumped at the opportunity to see the set!
I really like Michelles answer to your question about the sex scene. So funny,… She is very professional. That cracks me up.
It’s so awesome that you got to visit a movie set especially since you like and respect the actresses. Looks like it’s going to be a good movie.
I keep seeing commercials for this. It sounds like it’s going to be a great movie!
My daughter is all about Nicholas Sparks and I am sure she would fall head over heels for this movie. I can’t wait to tell her.
It’s so great that you got to visit the set and talk to all the actors. It gives you a whole new perspective on the whole film.
This is so cool I’d love to go visit a movie set! Nicholas Sparks books are simply amazing and I love the movie adaptations as well.
The Magnolia House is gorgeous and I would love to learn more about that. I can’t wait to see this movie
How lucky of you!! I wish I had the chance to go to a movie set! I saw the preview for the upcoming movie “The Best of Me” and I’m really looking forward to it!
Wow, that an experience. It sounds like you had a great time on the set.
I loved this! You are so great a getting people to really sit and talk, making them comfortable to say just about anything. I missed part 1 but I will definitely be going back to see it! I love Nicholas Sparks as an author! I got into this blogging trying to sharpen my writing skills and dust off some cobwebs, my real intention is to wrtie a book I’ve been working on for the last few months. If I could write something that could bring out as much feeling as his books do wow! He is one of my literary heroes as I am sure he is everyone’s! Can’t wait to see the movie.
This is such a fabulous look into the character and the actress who plays her. I love how the necklace thing just kind of came to them, like a natural mannerism.
What a great interview, she sounds so down to earth. I bet this is going to be such a great movie and one I will probably watch – I do not watch much on tv but have seen most of Nicholas Sparks movies.
Oh, now you are really making me wish for rain!!!
So awesome! I am a wee bit jealous. I have to say. I have never been to this area and look at that house!! What a great opportunity. Very realistic interview. Thanks!
I am such a Nicholas Sparks fan….. I am a total romantic…..
I am so happy for you!! Dreams really do come true!!
You’re having such amazing opportunities! And now I really want to see this movie.
I love all the NIcholas Sparks movies, and my daughter is dying to see this one. What a great experience for you!
Still so jealous that you got to visit the set and meet the fabulous people! I can’t wait to see the movie.
How fun to be on a movie set! Your posts have made me want to go see this move!
How fun, I love the bit about the necklace. I guess I never really realized that when two people play a character they really have to work together to get it all right!
Without a doubt you are the coolest woman I know. Is there anything you haven’t done? Great movie coverage/interviews!
How lucky you are to get to do something so fun! I loved The Notebook so I’m really looking forward to checking this movie out as well!
How fantastic of an experience. I too loved the Notebook and this movie sounds great. I can’t wait to see it. The photos you use really provide a mood. What a beautiful house. Can’t wait for the movie
I have never been on a movie set before. What a fun experience that must have been! I am really looking forward to this movie coming out.
What a cool opportunity! I love Nicholas Sparks.
I love the way you provide a whole new level of understanding and fill in the color that we would not get by reading, watching, or reading other people’s reviews. You pulled me into the lives of these fascinating sounding women like no one else can Lois…. Loved it!
Wow, how exciting to watch and see how a movie is shot and produced. The story line sounds really interesting and the scenery looks beautiful.
Lucky you! What fun insight into the movie. I can’t wait to see this movie now.
As a huge Nicholas Sparks fan, I would have died to have the opportunity to visit the set! What an incredible experience! I can’t wait to see this film!
What a great chance you had!! So cool!! I keep seeing the previews for this movie and I’m really hoping I get a chance to see it in theatres.
It looks like a beautiful setting. Just like my other romantic favorite, The Notebook.
It is always cool to go behind the scenes and see how the art we like is created.
What a wonderful opportunity for you! AND a Sparks MOVIE! YAY! Loved your interview- she seems to be such an adorable person!
I’d love to see the interior of that house too! The interview was great!
Oh my goodness what an amazing opportunity and experience! What a great interview. x
That looks like a lot of.fun! Plus these books are great so the movies must be fun!
Gosh. Looks like fun – oh and I am so excited for this film!
I’m really excited about this movie! I’ve seen a few bits of advertising here and there and I think I’m going to read the book. Looks fabulous and I absolutely LOVE James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan!
Oh how fun! This looks like so much fun. I would love to visit the set of Once Upon A Time.
That is a movie that I plan on watching. It looks really good!
I recognized the name of the movie, but honestly had no idea it was a Nicholas Sparks movie. I’ve never seen one of his movies that I didn’t love!
I have been watching the trailer of this movie and it looks like a good movie. I would love to check it out if I had company.
Aha! I do remember that home from 12 Years a Slave! I’m looking forward to seeing this movie too!