Photo: Getty Images

It’s three days into the Sundance Film Festival and already reporters are asking Elizabeth Olsen how it feels to be the festival’s it girl. Olsen’s response: “If I am an it girl, the great thing about that is that it can help these two films.” The young actress is talking about Silent House and Martha Marcy May Marlene — two films premiering at this year’s festival. Of course, the press has also trekked into family territory, digging into her relationship with her famous sisters (Mary Kate and Ashley) and without extensive media experience some might falter, but not Olsen. “As for my family, I love them and I love talking about them. But I don’t feel that shadow thing that the media assumes. It’s made up by people I don’t come into contact with.” This line of questioning will fade as Olsen, who’s still a senior at NYU, proves she’s worthy of the Miss Sundance title thanks to her intelligent performances — not her last name.

We sat down with Olsen, who was wearing Kenneth Cole’s official Sundance vest (the designer outfits the festival’s 1600 volunteers), at the Stella Artois Cutting Room on Main Street to discuss the road to Sundance, her sense of fashion, and where she’ll go next.

ELLE: Growing up, did you and your siblings put on plays in the house?

EO: No, but my friends and I did. I was part of a really cool class in elementary school. That’s all we did at recess and playdates… musicals and movies.

ELLE: So you knew from an early age that you wanted to act? 

EO: Yeah, I started taking acting classes when I was seven. I auditioned for a little bit, but then my [ballet] teacher wouldn’t let me, because I was missing ballet classes and it was unfair. [Ballet] is a strong discipline. So, I stopped going on auditions. I continued my acting training through a conservatory in high school and two conservatories while at NYU. I really like school and training. It’s so much fun, because you end up meeting these people who are so freaking talented.

ELLE: It’s amazing that both of your films got into Sundance – what drew you to each project?

EO: I was obsessed with these scripts. I’m a huge believer that complexity in roles for young people in general (male and female) is very hard to find. It’s such a gift to be able to read a role for a young women and then be able to do it.

ELLE: Changing gears a bit, your sisters are obviously in fashion — do you have an interest in it?

EO: Yes, and they’re the best! I don’t have any interest in fashion at all, as a career. I love wearing clothes that are soft and comfortable. I love wearing Elizabeth and James. I use to be strictly Annie Hall in high school. I would wear the hat and suspenders and all the button up shirts and masculine pants.

ELLE: What inspired that?

EO: I really love that film, and Diane Keaton. I also really enjoy women that can look and feel sexy in clothes that aren’t obviously so.

ELLE: During that period in high school, did you have an attraction to short, witty, Jewish men?

EO: Neurotics? Probably!

ELLE: So, what’s next for you?

EO: I am driven to a challenge, but after doing two films that are emotionally exhausting the next film I’m working on is Red Lights with Robert De Niro and Sigourney Weaver. It’s a totally different character. She’s much more of a stable person, compared to the other characters. So, I’m really excited to do something that’s a little closer to home.

- Ashley Terrill