In the beginning of Nancy Savoca’s Union Square, Mira Sorvino flits around the park alternatingly crying and screaming into a cell phone. Her character, Lucy, a manic storm of a human, fights with her boyfriend, who she has unexpectedly come to the city to visit. When she is rejected, she finds the second-best option: to show up at the apartment of her estranged sister Jenny, played by Tammy Blanchard. Drama ensues as a sibling rivalry—as well as dark family secrets—rise to the surface. The role is perfect for the Oscar winning actress, who is able to match her comedic chops with an endearing hopelessness. I saw down with Sorvino earlier this week (along with Blanchard—you can read my interview with her here) to talk about the making of the film, the luxuries and set-backs of working on a low-budget film, and how Union Square is a quintessential New York film.
