
An In Depth Interview With Kimberly Beck
AKA Trish Jarvis Friday the 13th Part 4: The Final Chapter
Now-a-days, starring in a successful horror movie can make a career. Back in the days of early 80's horror, it could break a career! Do you feel that you were ostracized at all in the "business" for making Part 4 and if so; why do you think attitudes have changed in the last 20 years?
I think I was worried about that then but honestly the audience was very compartmentalized. Young adults were the audience, not the people hiring me. Also, I tried my best to be my best and for that I was proud of my job. I completely committed myself to playing a young woman trying to save her brother and herself from a really bad guy! I think when actors hold back and are self conscious the movie goers don't buy their reality, when one completely dives in and doesn't care what they look like, but tries to really be there in that reality, the audience feels that truth. So that is what I tried to do. What I try to do in my life in all areas, for that matter.
When shooting The final chapter, being a seasoned veteran, was it hard working around so many actors with very little or no experience?
No I liked all the actors very much. I have never really hung out with my co workers that much so I didn't get to know them well, but they were always nice to me. They also seemed very professional but I didn't have a lot of scenes with them.
Was there any parts of the film you had trouble shooting or just didn't want to shoot?
We shot a scene that was never used where I find my mother dead in the bath tub. It was very emotional obviously, and incredibly intense for me. Would love to see that footage someday!
Were there any parts of the script you had changed, or wanted to have changed?
I don't remember ever wanting to change anything. I am pretty easy going and trust the director with those decisions. I sort of let go and do what they hired me for, act.
Its been said that Joe Zito might have been a little harsh at times to his actors? What are your thoughts on Zito and his direction style?
I liked Joe Zito a lot. He was intense and trying to do a good job. I liked him very much and he helped me to not be embarrassed about running around in the woods with a large mans shirt on!
You told me you bonded with Corey Feldman a lot while working on the film, I'd like to know what other fond memories you have of any of the other cast members.
Corey Feldman was a very sweet kid, I related to him as I was a child actor. It can be a hard life for a young person. You sometimes feel like you never fit in, anywhere. You are in an adult world, making money and hanging around on a set, hearing grown ups relating to each other and not being able to just be a kid, carefree. So I think I was aware of him in that regard and just wanted to be a nice, sane person in his life for the short time we were working together.
In Crystal lake Memories you mentioned that you and Peter Barton became sort of "parents" for Corey Feldman during shooting. Do you keep in contact with either Corey or Peter now?
Well if I said that about Peter it must be true! Peter and I remained friends and VERY briefly dated years later. He is a nice person so I am sure he treated Corey accordingly. Maybe I should read that Camp Crystal Lake Book to make sure I was correctly quoted.
Were you single when you made Part 4 and if so were you attracted to anybody you worked with at the time?
I was single and getting a divorce. I had a crush on someone at the time but that is it.
You were stalked during Part 4 filming, even before it started. Can you tell us about your stalker?
I had some weird experiences while shooting the movie. Some guy wouldn't leave me alone at the park where I ran daily at the track. It was super creepy! I had tons of scary phone calls too. People leaving creepy messages. It was a creepy time for me and I was going through so much and was incredibly vulnerable.
Were you a fan of the series before/after playing Trish?
I, to this day, have never seen another Friday the 13th except mine. I get scared too easily and am REALLY sensitive! The good news and bad news about my personality, I suppose!
Do you own Friday the 13th Part 4 on DVD?
I believe we do!!??
Did your husband know you were in Part 4 when he first met you?
My husband, Jason (Don't laugh, that is his name!!) probably didn't know for awhile. I mean, I am sure I told him at some point, but we met in Croatia shooting a movie.
What were your thoughts about doing the Monster Mania 6 convention? What did you think of the fans? Will you do it again?
I had such a wonderful time at Monster Mania, I can't even tell you. People were so kind and I had the best time with all of you. I never thought I would do something like that, just because I didn't really know what it was. Erin Gray explained it to me, she is a good friend for many years so I trusted her!! It was fun to do something different and meet so many nice people. I really love being with people, I am very social! So it was a perfect weekend for me and my son, Miles to spend together. I would do it again and I want to thank all of the wonderful and supportive fans for their kindness!
Thank you! We appreciate this so much! You're the coolest!
Thanks Alex, no- you are the coolest! Kim
This interview was conducted by and edited
by Demon on September 6th 2006
Questions by Demon, Dragonlord, Boggman! and sCabbOy
Thank you Kimberly Beck for your time, it was greatly appreciated!
Discuss this interview here.