It’s been a great year for actress Ella Ballentine, who delivered standout work in the nail biting, claustrophobic thriller Standoff. Working opposite Thomas Jane and Laurence Fisbhurne, Ballentine managed to hold her ground and pull off the role.
The Monster, a horror thriller that’s also a hard-hitting coming of age story, is essentially a two-hander about the toxic relationship between an alcoholic mother (Zoe Kazan) and her daughter (Ballentine). Though the storyline mainly centers on their attempts to escape the clutches of a monster who’s lurking on an abandoned, rainy road, the picture also has its share of intense mother/daughter arguments.
One flashback sequence takes place in the garage, as an irate Kathy (Kazan) verbally abuses Lizzy (Ballentine). Completing the scene came at a cost, as Ballentine has a permanent scar on her foot.
“Because it’s so intense and she’s dragging me out into the car and I’m pulling back from her – her heels completely scraped along my foot and sliced it open,” said Ballentine, who will also be seen in PBS’ Anne of the Green Gables. “So it was bleeding and during the whole take I was just playing off of the excruciating pain I was in (laughs).”
Ballentine is actually very proud of the light scar on her foot, as it gives her an opportunity to tell people about The Monster, an experience she said she’ll never forget. “Filming The Monster and getting to know the two characters and finally being able to watch it,” said the actress. “It’s so fulfilling. Especially working with Bryan Bertino, the writer and director of the movie, some parts were personal to him. It was a very collaborative experience.
Ballentine, who is sure to get more offers after her standout performance in The Monster and featured role in Anne of the Green Gables, is currently looking for her next project. “(Acting) is something when I miss out for even a month, I feel empty,” said the actress. “I know that sounds cheesy and whenever I tell people that I say, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know how to word this!’ There is definitely a piece of me missing when I go a while without acting.”
The Monster opens in select theaters and On Demand Friday, November 11.
Find Us On Facebook: Hollywood Outbreak
Follow Us On Twitter: @Hollyoutbreak
Posted by: Greg Srisavasdi