On The Red Carpet: Cameron Diaz

The Shrek juggernaut hits Sydney as Hollywood leading lady Cameron Diaz and DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg walk the ‘green’ carpet for the Australian premiere of Shrek The Third at The State Theatre.

Amid controlled hysteria from fans shouting her name, flashing cameras and a large media throng vying for her attention, Diaz was jovial and polite. Still, she wasn’t about to broach the topic of her private life so scrutinised in tabloid media around the world, most recently her break up with her Shrek The Third co-star Justin Timberlake, preferring to focus on spruiking the film.

When asked what she most loved about working on the Shrek films, Diaz responded “I love being a part of a film that has integrity, that has been made to make a statement, to give a message. Also to try and push the limits of what they’re creating in Hollywood as well as wanting to make a film that every single person wants to see and I think they accomplished that.”

In Shrek The Third, all is not well in the kingdom of Far Far Away. When Princess Fiona’s father King Harold dies, Shrek (Mike Myers) is in line to take the throne but buckles at the thought, embarking with Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas) on a journey to bring Fiona’s cousin Artie (read King Arthur, played by Timberlake) back to rule the kingdom.

A rebellion is also afoot as a gaggle of villainous fairytale characters led by Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) attacks Far Far Away in an attempt to install Charming to the throne. On top of that, Shrek is forced to confront impending fatherhood. New cast members this time around include Timberlake, Ian McShane (Deadwood) as Captain Hook and Eric Idle as Merlin the Magician.

With an ever growing number of animated films being released, FILMINK asked Katzenberg what makes the Shrek franchise stand out from the pack. “I think it raises the bar pretty significantly beyond anything that’s really been out yet, [with] its kind of jaw dropping, extraordinary images and the quality of animation.” says Katzenberg.

Each Shrek film employs 1,400 animators and takes four years to make. Undoubtedly integral is Shrek’s voice cast which Katzenberg says are effective largely because of their comedic skill.  “Firstly, they’re great actors. We have a stellar cast of really, some of the finest actors in the world,” he says. “The other thing about each and every one of these people in particular to Shrek is they’re very funny which is pretty important. Obviously both Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy are known for their comedy but Cameron’s got an incredible sense of humour, very witty and fast as is Antonio Banderas. I think they all bring that comedy skill and talent to their characters. I think it adds a lot of dimension to their work. They are always encouraged to do as much improvisational work as they’re inspired to. Often the funniest moments come out of those moments of just pure improvisational work.”

With Shrek The Third pulling in a massive US$122 million (A$148 million) in its opening weekend alone, the franchise continues to expand at pace. On the cards is a broadway musical, a Christmas special to air in the US later this year, a Puss In Boots spin off and Shrek 4 which has been in production for over a year and due to hit screens in 2010. Diaz for one, will be back confirming “I’ll be a part of Shrek 98!”

By James Mitchell. First published on filmink.com.au June 2007.