THE GIRL NEXT DOOR

Maxim's Hottest Woman of the Year for 2003 is now starring in one of her most complex roles, with a movie due out April 9. Elisha Cuthbert, siren and star of "The Girl Next Door," and award-winning actress on the dramatic series "24" speaks about her experiences in a starring role. In this interview, Cuthbert speaks candidly about her experiences playing a porn star, co-starring with Emile Hirsch and her future endeavors as a rising sex symbol and full-time actress. \nEditor's note: This interview took place as a conference call between several writers including Weekend writer Patrice Worthy.\nQ: How did "The Girl Next Door" differ from your other movies?\nA: "I am used to playing on a drama that involves real-life issues like death and pregnancy, so being in a movie where I have to be funny all the time was challenging and different. At the time I was filming "The Girl Next Door," I also had to be on the set of "24," so it was a challenge going from a dramatic set to playing a porn star. I would come to the set of "24" with my costume from "The Girl Next Door" on and everyone would be like, 'Whoa!'" \nQ: What was the most challenging part of playing Danielle?\nA: "Well, I picked the role because it was challenging. I have never played a character like Danielle before, and the transformation she makes from being 'the girl next door' to Athena, the porn star, is a real challenge. She goes from being normal to this out-there girl in nails, a wig and boots."\nQ: Were there any inhibitions you had to let go of to play the role in "The Girl Next Door?" \nA: "I had to definitely begin to let my guard down. I researched the role by talking with some porn stars, and asking them what (making a porn movie) was like. I realized you have to be very self-confident to be a porn star, and I had to let go of some of my own stereotypes about porn stars and their feelings. I learned the porn industry is a huge industry and lots of people are making money. It's crazy! Luckily for me, this girl was not happy with her life, so that made it easier on me." \nQ: Why didn't you do a nude scene in the movie? \nA: "When I took the role, I had a meeting with the director and I told him I would do the movie, but I would not do a nude scene. I felt it was unnecessary in the movie, and I really wanted to develop the role. It made me really proud because to go to a director and say I am not doing a nude scene in a movie about porn is crazy." \nQ: Do you think as you get older your views on nudity will change? \nA: "I know as girls get older their body image changes. I'm not saying I don't feel secure enough to do one now, but I don't see myself doing a nude scene in the future. It is not something I want to do." \nQ: How do you feel about being voted Maxim's Hottest Woman of the Year? \nA: "Oh my God, it is crazy. When I found out I thought it was great, but it is going to take some getting used to."\nQ: Do you ever get the stereotypical diva attitude?\nA: "Sometimes it comes out, but only around close friends and family. It comes out when I have had a rough day, or I am really tired and I come home and go on about this and that happening. I am really careful about it, and it only comes out in private or behind closed doors." \nQ: What other roles would you like to tackle in the future? \nA: "I would really like to do drama. Like I said before, I am really interested in roles that are a challenge and where I can bring something unique to the table. I picked "The Girl Next Door" because of her transformation from everyday life to a porn star. Even though doing comedy is challenging because you have to be funny all the time, I would like to do more drama."\nQ: What movies have influenced you as an actress?\nA: "The Girl Next Door" was very much like the movie "Risky Business" ... I like movies like "Risky Business," and the "Breakfast Club." Those are the movies that I am inspired by and that is the feel I like into bring to a role." \nQ: What about Emile Hirsch, would you date him? \nA: "Emile is such a sweetie, and he is really cute. I think I would date him in real life"