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‘Listening’ Star Amber Marie Bollinger Talks Going Beyond The ‘Sexy Girl’: Interview

by Erika W. Smith

Artie Ahr as “Ryan” and Amber Marie Bollinger as “Jordan” in LISTENING. Photo Courtesy of Young Medium

When Amber Marie Bollinger first appears in director Khalil Sullin’s new sci-fi thriller “Listening,” the camera zooms on her from behind, showing a close-up of her tiny black shorts as another character jokes about her “Bunsen burners.” Just a few scenes later, she’s dating him — and joining him in developing mind-reading technology. Telling much more would spoil the story, but know this: underestimating Bollinger’s character is definitely a mistake.

The character, Jordan, is more than the “sexy girl” stereotype, Bollinger told BUST in an interview. While Jordan’s sex appeal is an important part of her character, “she’s so much more than that. Jordan exists to explore the sexual fantasies that exist in our brains. Her sex appeal moves the story completely. She’s not a sexy girl just to be a sexy girl.” 

She added, “She’s the smartest of all the characters. I liked that she was this strong, sexy, smart woman. She really spoke to me, and I loved her intelligence.”

Bollinger said that “Listening” will appeal to “anyone who likes sci fi, anyone who likes science in general,” but there’s also another aspect: “Listening” shows the temptations and dangers of mind-reading technology, which may not be too far in our future.

listening
Amber Marie Bollinger as “Jordan” in LISTENING. Photo Courtesy of Young Medium

“As much as it’s science fiction, it’s based a lot on reality. Brain-to-brain communications is a reality they’re actually working on,” she said. “It’s so relevant right now. It reminds us that we all want to be connected. With social media and technology, we’re supposed to be becoming more and more connected, but are we connected? Or are we disconnected from everybody?”

We’re also excited about Bollinger’s next project. She’s currently working on a TV project about society’s obsession with celebrity culture.

“I’m obsessed with how people are obsessed with celebrity culture,” she says, clarifying, “People are obsessed with celebrity, people are obsessed with becoming famous. There’s this expectation that artists have to become famous to be able to do what they want to do.”


Amber Marie Bollinger as “Jordan” in LISTENING. Photo Courtesy of Young Medium

In part, the project deals with how women are pressured to fit a certain image, something Bollinger herself is pushing back against.

“Right now, there’s a great turn with more and more female-driven content, it’s really, really great,” she said. “There’s a door beginning to open.”

Watch the trailer here:

“Listening” is available now on iTunes, Amazon Instant and more. 

Images via Young Medium 

More from BUST.com:

‘Diary Of A Teenage Girl’ Writer Phoebe Gloeckner Talks Seeing Her Book Become A Movie: Interview

‘About Ray’ Gets Trans Stories Wrong: Movie Review

18 Movies Starring Women To Watch On Netflix

 

 

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Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

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