Wednesday, October 31, 2012
By Roger Moore
McClatchy Newspapers
ORLANDO, Fla.
There’s always been something that screamed “cartoon” about that potty-mouthed pixie, Sarah Silverman. Even at her most outrageous, the edgy comic’s disarming, Betty Boop/Betty Rubble voice intentionally softens that edge.
Silverman’s demeanor and material, in which almost nothing is off limits, can be jaw- dropping. Think of her stand-up documentary “Jesus is Magic,” her sexualized political ads and what she once sang to ex-boyfriend Jimmy Kimmel that she was doing to Matt Damon.
But coming from a voice built for baby talk, she gets away with it.
Her most outrageous stunt yet may be her first turn as an animated character in a Disney film. She’s voiced more adult animation — “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” “Futurama,” “Bob’s Burgers.” But “Wreck-It Ralph,” opening Friday, is a Disney ’toon in which she plays a sassy, sugary exiled video game imp named Vanellope Von Schweetz. And if Vanellope has a certain Silverman edge, the comic-turned-actress says that’s Disney’s doing.
Q. So, who called whom? Did you approach Disney, or did they pitch you?
A. Disney called me. They did. I have NO idea why. I was like, ‘Do they only know me from ‘Monk’ or ‘Yo Gabba Gabba’ or something?’ I was thrilled. Everybody loves Disney. And when I thought of it, the filthiest comedian working as I was coming up was Eddie Murphy. And he’s found a home with Disney. So if he can do it, why not me? I mean, I have the perfect voice for animation, and a great face for radio!
Q. Anything about Vanellope that you could identify with, as a character?
A. I feel so close to her. Yes, she’s a ‘Her.’ She’s an EveryWoman — obnoxious and precocious and annoying, at first. She’s this little tough girl. When people are tough, it’s because they’re protecting this fragile interior. She was this little rejected girl covering it with being a tough guy.
Q. So is “going Disney” the sign that this is the beginning of a mellower Sarah Silverman? (She turns 42 in December).
A. This comes out sandwiched between a filthy political video, and a movie (“Take This Waltz”) that I’m nude in. So sure. I’m getting a LOT mellower.