Best known for her work in American Beauty and the American Pie franchise, Mena Suvari's latest project The Knot has a distinctly British feel. Set in London, it revolves around the efforts of the bride, groom and their respective groups to make it to the altar in one piece.
Digital Spy spoke to the actress about the movie, her role as enigmatic bridesmaid Sarah and various 'American' matters…
What was it about The Knot that enticed you to come over to the freezing shores of the UK?
"Oh God I love the UK. I mean… I'm easily over here in a heartbeat so that I was really excited about. I'm also a huge fan of Noel (Clarke) and his work. I loved his previous films and the types of films that they are. This film is a bit different from his other types of work but I love the story. I've been wanting to do a lot more comedy and it seemed like a really wonderful opportunity overall."
Do you see The Knot as a British counterpart to the American Pie films, mixing sweetness with grossness?
"Oh that would be nice definitely. What I love about The Knot is that it's not just this wild ride romcom - there's real heart to the film and it's really about love and relationships and the connections that people make with one another.
"Even with my character I really loved the journey that you see her go on - I liked the concept that Noel had for film and there's a majority of the film that's shot on handheld and there's a personal connection with the camera and interview style. It's really a combination of the male and female aspect of what marriage is all about, relationships and love and it was just a format that I had never seen before."
As you mention, your character Sarah goes on a journey and has a bit of a secret. Do you see her as an empowering figure given the way she finally manages to deal with matters by the end of the movie?
"Oh yeah. I think especially with her there was something in my life I could relate to with her and I think it's a beautiful thing to see her opening up towards the end and really believe that she can be happy herself. It's a very liberating moment for her and knowing that she has the love and support of her friends to really be who she is.
"A lot of the other characters as well use this moment of celebration that they have. They're coming together for this wedding but they're using that opportunity to really reflect on themselves and think about where they're at in their lives and how they can truly be happy."
Along with the bride and bridesmaids, Sarah becomes involved in a lot of shenanigans and mishaps on the big wedding day. How well behaved were the cast in comparison?
"We genuinely had just an awesome time making this movie. For me it was a blast. I think that's really communicated, it comes through on screen. I think definitely with the guys - boys will be boys you know! My female cast mates are just wonderful. It's really beautiful how unique we all are but similar and how these characters really complement each other. We just had a lot of fun."
Wasn't your first day of filming together the very messy hen night sequence? A lot of things were flying around - mainly attached to men!
"Yeah! That was quickly a bonding moment for all of us and we just dove right in."
During one shocking toilet incident with the bride, you say the line "I'm not wiping your ass". Can any other one-liners in your career top that?
"That one is pretty classic. That moment is very special, haha! Talulah (Riley) is awesome in that scene. It's a really awkward moment - I can't even imagine being in that situation in this enormous gown. That is love right there when your friends take care of you like that, haha! I don't even know if I would do that for my friends. It's a little too intimate. A little too awkward."
What was it like being the only American in a cast full of Brits?
"Oh it's fine. I mean it was a lot of fun. I did a film called Caffeine years ago where we had a lot of British cast as well as influence. I love being over here, it was awesome of Noel to think of me for this and I had a great time. He was really open to working with me to manipulate a little bit of the dialogue to make it seem more American. It was great, I'd love to be over here a bit more and love to work with him again on another project for sure."
So what are the chances of another American Pie reunion or adventure?
"Hmmm, there just might be. That's all I know for now."
It won't be another 10 years hopefully!
"Errr, no, haha! Obviously not. That I don't know if I want to see, because we'd all be too old!"
How was the experience being reunited with the whole American Pie crew? Did the old dynamic pick up instantly?
"Oh yeah. For me it was completely surreal and I never thought in a million years we would be coming together and making another movie after this much time, but it was awesome definitely. It wasn't even 30 minutes that went by and everybody was right back on the same page, the same vibe for sure. I mean the guys especially - they have such an unbelievable chemistry, it's like magic. I wanted to watch forever."
As long as they're not near kitchen utensils you'll be fine…
"Haha, yeah! I mean Jason (Biggs) - the guy is fearless."
You've been in many things with 'American' in the title…
"Yeah that's all I look for. I actually requested that they have that in the title when I attach myself to any projects… only consider me for projects with 'American' in the title please!"
It's definitely beneficial if people are looking through an alphabetical list of films and see all your efforts right at the top…
"Well, there you go, see?"
You've recently been involved in a blood donor drive called the American Red Cross Zombie Rally…
"There you go - American, of course! And do you know what's crazy? My father was born in Estonia, like I'm so not even truly American, haha! I'm more European than anything else. But, you know, I'm obsessed with The Walking Dead so it was really awesome when that came my way. The picture is actually my headshot. I actually requested to my team that would be my new headshot because I think it's pretty awesome."
The zombified picture of you was all done digitally, wasn't it?
"I have no idea about that, but I actually wanted them to make me even grosser-looking, I was like 'Wait a minute, why don't I have some of my teeth showing or something? I need to look a bit more rotten'. That's pretty awesome if you're asked if you want to be a zombie!
You should request a zombie cameo in The Walking Dead!
"I'd love it. I can do a very slow pace."
What are the British comedies that have made you laugh over the years, apart from The Knot?
"I'm actually obsessed with the show Episodes. But I also love Keeping Up Appearances and actually I was really excited to be invited to Never Mind The Buzzcocks because I love The Mighty Boosh and I could only geek out when I got to meet Noel (Fielding).
"But I grew up with Benny Hill and Mr Bean, I loved that kinda stuff. I love British humour and like with The Knot, it's very specific humour, it's very witty and I love that. It's the kind of stuff I want to do more of."
Finally, what projects do you have coming up?
"I've actually been working on a lot more television in the States. I did this amazing pilot with Adam Shankman and I worked on American Horror Story. But right now I'm actually looking for the next thing I'm really passionate about. I'm pretty particular."
Mena Suvari stars in The Knot, out in cinemas on October 5
