TA TALKS BACK: POWER AND LOYALTY, THAT IS NIKKI
I was fascinated by Nikki Reed because so many people reacted so strongly to her casting and the press seems to spew vitriol at her. At first glance, you would think the girl single handedly jumped up to take the heat, if you were to read some of the scathing reviews and comments about her. It’s all quite unfair once you start looking around and researching her. She by far is the most grounded, well balanced actress/writer today.
It’s always nice to watch an actor or actress command an audience with just a few seconds of camera time. Nikki by far does this every time she steps in front of the camera. Her role in Mini’s First Time is just addictive. Her roles seem to always provoke some emotional reaction out of you. In her own masterpiece “13” you are immediately taken in the minute she is on camera.
You have that reaction when you see her in Twilight as well. The moment the camera lands on her you immediately suck in air. Even the lines she delivers in character relay a message that is surely Ms. Reed. Nikki has been living and taking care of herself since she was 14 years old. When you really think that out you are almost stunned into silence. That’s where her strength comes from. She has no time to play useless silly games. Her eyes relay a very clear message on screen: “Don’t play with me.” It’s an art form. Nikki Reed, the actress is definitely someone to watch. Her entire career has been one of grace and strength.
I discovered the comparisons between Nikki and her charter Rosalie are startling. She possesses within her the same loyalty, dedication, imaginative and attention to detail as her character Rosalie.
Her career started off in a strange way. Catherine Hardwicke in trying to engage and channel Nikki gave her the guidance needed to start her career. Nikki channeled her experiences and knowledge into writing and producing with Catherine the critically heart wrenching movie “13”. In early interviews you can see Nikki discuss looking back and realizing that Catherine was using the movie as a tool to keep her from spinning completely out of control because she would have something to keep her engaged in rather than her self destructive patterns. After watching the movie you need to know it’s brutal, honest and quite uncomfortable. The movie scored huge critically acclaimed awards for the movie. Nikki won “Best Debut Performance” and “Best First Screenplay” at the Independent Spirit Awards. So, even in her prowess as an actress she is a great writer. In 2003, she won “One to Watch” award at the Young Hollywood Awards.
She has a strong dedication to the arts and is very engaged in reading and being current on life outside of Hollywood. One of the strongest quotes that I found was this when she was asked why she didn’t go out a lot and didn’t it affect her career. She said, “It’s not about who’s at the hottest party, because most of what’s “hot” right now is not going to be “hot” in ten years. And I’d rather be well-respected in all areas than noticed when I walk down the street as the girl who was at that party instead of the girl who wrote this film and is now producing it.” (Collider- 2006).
This is when it dawned on me. It’s something that is almost parallel to how Rosalie explained her fate to Bella. Nikki playing Rosalie is a slam dunk on many levels. She knows deep hurt, deep satisfaction and just how to live when that’s what you have to do. She possesses a level of maturity that is far past her years. I hope her and Kristin stay friends for many years to come. Those two are a powerhouse of the future to reckon with.
It should be noted that after reviewing dozens of photos, encounters and press walks Nikki Reed has never declined an autograph, photo or a nicety with a fan or reporter. She is always polite, friendly and engaging even when crazy photographers get way too close.
Charity has been a part of career as well. Whether she is mentoring or using her name as a brand to promote awareness. Recently, Nikki became involved in a fashion site,
www.buyhollywood.com, along with Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene that focuses on clothes that actors and actresses wear. Each purchase of an item of clothing that she wears in the picture can be ordered and a portion of the proceeds will go to assisting children with Autism.
I hope her continued work in the Twilight saga and in her future is as bright as they can be. She deserves the accolades.
Come out of lurkdom all the Nikki supporters!
