Series Magazine – November 2003

In spite of a schedule loaded with simultaneous shooting of episodes of Edgemont and Smallville, Kristin Kreuk found time to answer some questions. She goes back over a photo session where she appeared barer than she envisioned.

Will you continue your turn in Edgemont this year?
Of course! I recently resumed the shooting of season 4. I love being on Edgemont because I've known everyone for years. It is the series I started with and that counts a lot for me.

In what way is Laurel different from Lana?
Laurel is much more solid. She knows how to defend herself and refuses guys that lack respect. I find it fantastic. She is very gifted measuring people. I am proud to play this role because I think Laurel is a good role model for girls today.

Could one say Laurel resembles you?
Yes and no. She resembles me in the sense she wants to discover the world. She's not content with what happens in high school, but tries to broaden her horizons just as I did in school. But, where we are different is that she doesn't hesitate to say what she thinks and to dispute with people when something displeases her. Me, on the other hand, I avoid as much conflict as possible. We also dress differently. Laurel chooses classic clothing, while I prefer good old jeans and a sweater.

You also recently resumed shooting Smallville again. What will happen to Lana in Season 3?
This season it is more opposite and it is Lana that will attempt to conquer Clark. As Clark is afraid that his strengths and his fate do not end up injuring those he loves, he decides to put distance between him and Lana, despite the feelings he has for her. But Lana doesn't want to know. She has finally found what she likes and she doesn't want to lose it. She will clearly make him understand she is ready to wait for him. Now the ball is in Clark's court, but I do not believe they will have a true relationship this year. However, they will be increasingly close as friends.

Last season, Clark and Lana exchanged several kisses. How is it to kiss Tom Welling?
It is not as enjoyable as it appears. Tom and I, we understand well and I have total confidence in him which allows us to be more comfortable with the love scenes. But, above all, it is a professional exercise, believe me, there's nothing romantic.

Which qualities do you look for in a guy?
He must be intelligent, have the direction and humor to work towards a goal in life. He must be taller than me which isn't difficult because I am very short! The problem is you have fine very specific criteria concerning the ideal man, but in life it never occurs like that. You meet someone, you fall in love and then later you realize this person is nothing like what you thought you were looking for! (laughs)

Last year you posed for the first time in a sexy way. You wanted to break your image?
Not at all! I absolutely did not know that I was to do sexy photos when I accepted this session. I will relate to you what happened. The person in charge of Arena magazine contacted me and wanted to do a photo shoot to illustrate an article and a cover for their next edition. I bought several issues of the magazine and what I saw was serious and well written. Moreover they did not present the women as sex objects. It was a very important question for me because I hate men's magazines that lack respect for women. When I noted Arena was a decent magazine I agreed to pose with confidence. However, the day of the meeting I realized the clothing they wanted me to wear was underclothing. I was surprised and disconcerted. I did not want to be shown in similar clothes. I felt uncomfortable and at one moment I wanted to walk out. But, I had agreed to pose and the team from the magazine had come to Vancouver from London especially for this session. I saw then I was jammed and I decided to launch myself into it.

How did the session unfold?
I cracked quickly. After slipping on the clothing I began to cry while explaining to the photographer that I could not do it, that it ran counter to all that I believe and that I'm not the type of person to pose in so little clothing. The photographer reassured me by saying that I didn't have to force myself if I was uncomfortable, but it was necessary nevertheless that I pose for some photographs, even if it was more clothed. I realized he was right. Therefore, we reached a compromise and I was able to choose less revealing clothing. Then the shoot began. My mascara had run but the photographer found it pretty so it remained like that. I was always a little uncomfortable, but the time passed and I felt better. When I see the magazine, certain stereotypes displease me, but the majority of the photos were magnificent.

So, you have no regrets?
My only regret is that next these photos were sold without my agreement to magazines which I hate, those that present women as sexual objects. Frankly, that makes me sick.