E-News Article - Jim Lavoie

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Hollywood to Hartland : It's Back to Her Future
By Jim Lavoie

(Photo by CNG Photography)

"Isn't it ironic ?" laments Alanis Morissette but living proof is soon to be displayed, for all to see, by Angela Cullins as the lead actress in the Global Universal Inc. NB shot feature film American Sunset. Playing alongside the reenergized long time actor Corey Haim and New York's acting dynamo Frank Molina in this suspense filled thriller, written and produced by Jackie Giroux, Cullins is ecstatic. "My dream is coming true, hell it's every actors dream, to have a lead role in a major production" proclaims Cullins "I have to almost pinch myself because not only has it happened but to have it happen here in New Brunswick is surreal!"

American Sunset , shot in the Moncton and Fredericton area, is a suspense filled turnstile of emotional demons engulfing one man's obsession to be in the real moment amidst his wife's abduction by a man he believes is a crazed kidnapper. Corey Haim plays “Tom” an artist whose is on the edge as the police are unable to help find his wife “Samantha” (Angela Cullins). He hires an ex-soldier back from Iraq, Arturo (Frank Molina) to help. As Giroux says, "a sinister voice calls up and gives clues that must be followed. It's completely action-filled; you have no idea who the good or bad guy is."

Cullins is beautiful, sexy and talented but then again so are thousands of other actresses looking for just that type of role, so what made her stand out? "Well imagine her thoughts when I turned her away from a part in Blue Seduction because she was too beautiful", laughs American Sunset writer and producer Jackie Giroux. "My director on the production of Blue Seduction felt she would be too distracting because the audience would be fixated on her and not the story! So, I already knew I would audition her for American Sunset and it is a perfect fit."

Cullins is indeed all that and more but it is amazing to see the chemistry amongst the actors as she fits in comfortably and is totally at ease. Even more astounding is to see her interaction with crew members as she is constantly joking and messing with them. This is no act on her part as she knows many of them from her earlier acting days in New Brunswick. "She is just Angela to us and hangs with us when time permits" says Michel Guitard (Camera Dept). "Pretentious is not her style in any way."

Seeing all these familiar faces brought back memories of being a young girl, as many before her have, idolizing Marilyn Monroe. "I loved her style, her sense of being", Cullins thoughtfully said. "She was my touchstone for believing acting was my destiny." That is her inspiration for acting but her true role model is her mother Gloria. "My mom has been my inspiration, motivator, fan/critic, and my foundation of strength through good and bad. To have her alongside me on this incredible journey is so special I am almost bursting with pride!"

Cullins attended the University of New Brunswick delving into psychology and the fine arts program. Her theatrical background in drama involved plays based on the works of George Bernard Shaw, and other famous writers. Next up, she was the lead actor in several Film Co-op member productions and most recently had the lead role In Film Co-op member Gia Milani's short film Bathroom Stalled (award winning). For her efforts in this film, she was awarded the Best Actress Statue at the New Brunswick Silver Wave Film Festival. In order to obtain maximum exposure/opportunity she felt a move to Toronto was then in order.

In Toronto, she did a number of commercials, a variety of smaller projects, and was also involved in the music scene. She appeared in Music Videos including Johnny Reids Love Sweet Love and was front and centre at the CCMA's in Saint John, NB (2006) as the opening act Girl On A Billboard for Road Hammer. Still, she was looking for that elusive breakthrough which has finally happened with American Sunset .

In preparing for her first lead role in a commercial feature, she incorporated her own life experiences into her acting role. Cullins is a method actor, which entails embracing the total essence of her character. "To get to where I want to be I must be in character 24/7 or just near its shadow ready to be absorbed into it at a moments notice."

In American Sunset she plays Samantha (Corey Haim's wife) who is kidnapped and held hostage. Left to ponder her fate at the hands of her abductor forced Cullins to deal with emoting fear of what was to happen to her. Would she be raped, killed, or just abandoned? "This took me deep on an emotional discovery to places I had never been before", said Cullins "It was exhilarating, yet draining. Our Director, Michael Masucci, is what we call an actors director, he is brilliant in drawing me to a plateau I had never been to."

What was it like for Cullins to work with Haim and Molina? "Absolutely great, from day one right to the end. We bonded as if silently agreeing to give Jackie's film the top treatment it deserved" says Cullins. "We played off one another and guided each other through the really tough parts. What I really loved, was the respect and equal treatment they afforded me in my work with them."

The trailer for American Sunset is running at Cannes with plans to have the movie at the LA Film Festival. "I am on the verge of a distribution deal", said Giroux. "If it comes together the sky is the limit."

Cullins will be off again to LA but the success of American Sunset may well see her back home again soon.