Interview transcript of Catherine O'Hara for the film Beetlejuice

CATHERINE O’HARA (Delia) QnA

QUESTION: What was your first reaction when you read the script?
 
CATHERINE O’HARA: Scared. [laughs] No, reading the script was exciting!, because it’s a great story and it involves some new characters, especially in the name of Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux.
 
QUESTION: How did you prepare for your return?
 
CATHERINE O’HARA: I was going to watch the first movie and then a friend called and said, “It’s on!” So, I turned it on and then stood there, like I was going to watch it for a minute… and then I just never moved away.

It’s so good and fun. And dark and funny. And dark and light. I was really glad to watch it, because I had done a character on a series recently, and my voice was a strong character voice in it.  And I was a little concerned that I would go into that. But the dialogue is so different in this, and watching the movie really helped. Because really, I talked like myself. I was worried about who Delia would be now, and I thought, “Well, who are you now?” Listening to my original voice, it wasn’t much different from the way I spoke at the time. I thought, “Well, I guess she’s aged like I’ve aged, so I basically have my own voice, just a different way of thinking.” Not as smart and wonderful and talented as I am. Delia wishes she could be me.
 
QUESTION: Going back to her art, how has Delia’s art changed over the years?
 
CATHERINE O’HARA: Delia is now multimedia. She really just did sculpture before. In this film, you’ve got to see her gallery show. Just the “art speak” was genius and hilarious. It’s very important work, what Delia is doing now. It’s about her, but because it’s about her, it’s so specific… yet it’s also universal and I think will appeal to everyone and really get them thinking about important things. It’s profound.
 
QUESTION: What’s it like returning to Winter River?

CATHERINE O’HARA: It’s different. Winona and held on to each other walking onto the house set. My husband designed the original and the production designer [Mark Scruton] had said he was very aware of that. He came and talked to me about it—he’s been respectful of Bo’s [Welch] work—but he also did amazing sets on this. The art department did a beautiful, beautiful job. But going on the set of the interior of the house, Winona and I both thought, “What’s it going to look like? What’s it going to feel like?” The blueprint is there, but it’s been seriously renovated. And I think I got the idea that [Delia’s husband] Charles had really enjoyed it all these years. Delia probably spent a lot more time in the city and traveling. But it’s still weird, as it always was, but it’s definitely updated. The paint color is really beautiful. Delia has had her hand in the decor. It’s actually prettier, I think, than it was, but still not quite comfortable, which it never was.

QUESTION:  What was your first day of filming like?
 
CATHERINE O’HARA: It’s always a little bit scary the first day, before you open your mouth for the first time. You imagine what you’d like to have come out of your mouth, but you’re not sure it’s going to work that way, really. But, no, instantly fun. And Tim is so collaborative, too; it’s always wonderful to have somebody who makes you feel like you have something good to offer. And this was right from the beginning, as soon as he sent the scripts to us. He wanted notes and he wanted all of our ideas, and that’s just lovely to know that you’re part of this great creation.
 
QUESTION: How would you describe Delia’s relationship with Lydia?
 
CATHERINE O’HARA: I just think they’ve found a way to get along, Delia and Lydia. There’s a line in the script, I don’t know if I’m going to say it, but it’s about ever since Delia’s probably jealous at the same time and—like some parents are—happy for her child. Well, she’s not really Delia’s child. Delia’s her stepmom. But she’s happy Lydia has found success.
 
QUESTION: What about Delia’s relationship with Astrid?
 
CATHERINE O’HARA: Funny. Delia maybe sees Astrid as a fresh new Lydia—kind of dry and dark, and looking around like the world isn’t nearly as cool as she is. But she is. Astrid and Delia have found fun ways to connect, like definitely on Lydia’s relationship with Rory. I think they both see the reality of that. We seem to be letting Lydia find her way. I think Lydia finds her funny, too, and entertaining. In a way, it’s entertaining to watch Lydia take the same crap from Astrid that Delia took from Lydia.
 
QUESTION: Was there much ad-libbing on set?
 
CATHERINE O’HARA: Yeah, when you have such a good script, like this one, then it just gives you ideas. When something’s not well written, it just closes your brain down. But when something’s well written and there are great, inspiring ideas in there, then yeah, it makes you want to try things. And it’s fun. Michael [Keaton] played with lines and added great improvisation. And that happens, when you have a good script, you play with it. And we most certainly did. 

QUESTION: Overall, how has your experience been on the film?
 
CATHERINE O’HARA: Wonderful. First of all, I’m lucky to be alive and lucky to be working… but especially lucky to be working on a Beetlejuice movie again.

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