Q&A with Actress Alexandra Tejeda Rieloff

Film: Under Jakob's Ladder
Actress: Alexandra Tejeda Rieloff
Role: Emma

Q: What attracted you to working on this film?
A: The challenge of playing a Russian woman from a period past. I also thought the story was very moving.

Q: How did you prepare for your role?
A: Almost ten years ago, I bought a CD -- 'Russian Accents For Actors' -- which somehow remained with me. I knew one day I would put it to use; I think it was something I always wanted to do. I also watched Sergei Bondarchuk's film, 'War and Peace'. (It's approximately seven hours long.) I picked scenes where I could study the women, in particular, and played them over and over... Some nights I fell a sleep listening to their voices.

Q: How did you identify with your character?
A: With a little effort, I think we can identify with all things and other human beings... However, having some German/Russian ancestry helped.

Q: What did you enjoy the most about working on this film?
A: I enjoyed everything about working on this film. Every moment was a learning and growing experience.

Q: Talk about working on the set.
A: Robert [producer] and Mann [director] were wonderful. Mann exudes a trust and confidence which gave me trust and confidence. I thank them both for trusting 'Emma' to me. I did not have much dialogue with Jeff [role of Jakob], but the scene on the bridge was electric, for me. It might be my favorite scene. He was fantastic!

Q: What was the most challenging scene for you?
A: I only had a few scenes, but I think the arrival of Emma to Rachel's house. Maybe because I didn't have her there... But such is the art of filmmaking!

Q: How did you get your start in film?
A: I auditioned for a film called 'Destination Unknown' and got a small role. I think I have one line or two, can't remember. It was my first film audition. I had been working as a dancer and on stage up until then. It was something I always wanted to do.

Q: Who are your influences?
A: My influences are many. I am a compulsive thief who draws from everything I can: People, especially strangers, music, nature, animals. Definitely animals. They're so real and alive. My father who was an inventor, and my mother who is one of the most adventurous and courageous people I know. Actors who have inspired me! Kim Stanley, John Hurt (in the 'Elephant Man'), the French actress Isabelle Hubert, the Spanish actress Carmen Maura, Charlie Chaplin, Walter Matthau. And I wish I had been around to see Laurette Taylor on stage. Maureen Stapleton and John Cassavetes, Angela Lansbury, Peter Falk... Ben Gezzara! Jee, I've been inspired by so many actors...