Burlesque wins best song at Globes
Burlesque also stars Kristen Bell as star dancer Nikki, whose attitude and self-destructiveness turn the backstage into drama-filled turmoil.
“I don’t think you can ever come into a part that is seemingly the antagonist and, as the actor, believe that they’re bad,” Bell says of her character. “You have to look for the reasons why Nikki thinks what she’s doing is right. She’s just more entitled than everyone else. She’s had it easy, she’s also worked very hard to get where she is, and she’s going to defend her territory. Nikki doesn’t think she’s bitchy. She thinks she’s trying to cope with everyone around her.”
Much of Nikki’s protectiveness and insecurity is wrapped up in her relationship with Tess (Cher), the owner of the Burlesque Lounge. Bell explains: “Nikki admires Tess so much. Tess is this beautiful, gorgeous, talented woman who owns this club and who gave Nikki her start. She allowed Nikki to dance, and they have been friends for a long, long time. When Ali (Christina Aguilera) weasels her way into the relationship and Nikki’s no longer the favorite, it really makes her angry.”
Bell held her own with Aguilera and the team of seasoned dancers. “They danced with Michael Jackson and they dance with Beyoncé. These girls are the best of the best. You would think that it might be a giant catfight with this many women, but it’s not. It’s such a supportive environment. I’m very much trying to keep up with them in the dance department. I can pull one aside and say, ‘Can you show me that step again?’ They’re ready and willing to make it the best it can be,” Bell says.
Opening across the Philippines on Feb. 2, “Burlesque” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.


