Bonnie Hunt: Thanks, I'm glad to be here. Hopefully, the questions will start pouring in.

Terrain-guest: What was your first film?

Bonnie Hunt: My first film was "Rain Man." I played the waitress, Sally Dibbs, who dropped the toothpicks.

BusyBrat: I was reading the info on the movie at the checkout.com site.. Does Bob find out right away that Grace was the recipient of his wife's heart?

Bonnie Hunt: No, they don't either of them know that; they just meet coincidentally and fall in love. They don't know about this information. Only the audience has that information - the characters do not know.

BusyBrat: The idea for this movie is very close to my heart, as my mother had a heart transplant two years ago. Did you and Don Lake do a lot of research for this?

Bonnie Hunt: Yes, we did, and we had a heart transplant recipient with us on the set everyday. He was 25 years old, and he received his heart when he was 22. He had been sick since he was 13. And he is a featured extra in the movie. His name is Jason, and he was a constant source of inspiration and support.

Phil-guest: This film is billed as romantic comedy. What genre of film do you prefer?

Bonnie Hunt: Films are labeled for marketing purposes. But I think of it as a wonderful story - a fairytale with real honest people at the core of it, that moves us and truly makes us laugh.

Marty1-guest: Hello, Bonnie. What types of reviews has "Return To Me" received from movie critics?

Bonnie Hunt: It's been very well-received by critics. Even though it's old fashioned in nature, it's smart and funny and the audiences have a great time, and I think the critics feel that when they see it with a full house. Gene Shalit and Roger Ebert are two thumbs up; Peter Travers from Rolling Stone, Jeffrey Lyons, and Leonard Maltin are just a few of the many critics that have positively reviewed the film.

sinjin-guest: You seem to have easily straddled the line between television and film. Is it as easy as you make it look?

Bonnie Hunt: I enjoy working. I truly enjoy the process of teamwork, whether it's in theatre, television or film. And though it's sometimes been politically exhausting, I've truly enjoyed the work itself.

CO-emjay: Do you get your comic timing from anyone? Your family?

Bonnie Hunt: Yes, definitely my family. I'm number six out of seven children. You learn timing early on because that's the only way you can get a word in edgewise.

CO-Golden: Do you think it's too big of a job to direct AND star in your own movie?

Bonnie Hunt: Well, I have a supporting character role, and sometimes the days that I was acting in the film seemed easier because there was one less actor I had to discuss the scene with and I could just run in front of the camera and do the scene myself. It was a lot of fun.

Punt-Me: Okay, I gotta ask this one - Which is tougher, writing or directing? Why?

Bonnie Hunt: Well I think the writer in a good story is the most important element. If the writing isn't good, hopefully you'll have strong director, and that will help it somewhat. But good writing is the most important element. As a director a good story is your safety net.

Cat: I heard that Minnie Driver talked to several women about their own transplants. Have you ever done your own research for a role?

Bonnie Hunt: Well, I've never played a character with a medical affliction. I've mostly played just really beautiful women, so there was no need to research it. And, of course, I'm kidding. :-)

CO-poopysheep: Do you agree that movie critics are generally not in touch with the public's wants for entertainment?

Bonnie Hunt: If I agree with their review, they're in touch. If I don't, they're not in touch. :-) But for the most part I don't believe you should let them go to you head. Just the same, if it's a negative review you can't let them break your spirit. We've been very fortunate on this film to have been receiving very positive reviews.

Magdelina: How does an actor or an actress make the move to directing? What do you have to show a studio to get them to take you seriously?

Bonnie Hunt: For me, I presented the studio with episodes on tape of the television series I executive produced, wrote and starred in. Those are my creative calling cards.

Numter-guest: How do you get your actors to do nuances? I mean, those emotional things that aren't really full-blown?

Bonnie Hunt: I spend a lot of time with my actors, discussing the material, making it accessible and relative to their lives as possible. So, when they're playing an emotion in a scene it will be natural and from their heart, and move the audience instead of manipulate them. And I was very fortunate to have such great actors in my first film.

Generic-guest: Romance is so changed from what it used to be it seems to me. How would you define 'romance' now that we're going into this new millennium?

Bonnie Hunt: Well, I think because of technology we're so easily accessible to each other that we sometimes shortcut the most subtle and wonderful moments of romance. And not only in our own lives, but in storytelling as well. In "Return to Me" we were able to take a more old-fashioned approach to romance because it's justified through Minnie Driver's character's history. And it was a joy to write an old-fashioned romance. And I think it's nice to represent characters in their 20's and 30's that haven't necessarily been having an active sexual life since they were 14. These are characters whose lives have taken a different path, and I think they represent a lot of people. A lot of us that go to see the movies. and perhaps it's refreshing to have characters like this to relate to.

Manolis_Varnas: Bonnie, what did you think of the soundtrack of the movie and who are your favorite artists?

Bonnie Hunt: Well, I had a very hands-on approach to all the music in the film, and I was very lucky to be able to co-produce four of the songs and hand-pick the others based on memories from my childhood and music of the big bands. I also was fortunate to buy two songs from first-time songwriter and singer Joey Gian for our end title credits. And he also sings the title song, "Return to Me." He was a wonderful collaborator and a truly talented artist. I believe he has a bright future. And also, our soundtrack is now available in stores.

CO-Bruce: You had an amazing cast, with a combined 100 years + of Hollywood experience. What was that like for your first feature film?

Bonnie Hunt: I was very moved, each time I sent the script out to an actor I truly respect, to receive a call saying they were interested and wanted to do the movie. Each time was a thrill, especially with Carroll O'Connor and Robert Loggia. For each of these actors, and for David Duchovny and Minnie Driver, it was a leap of faith to believe in me as a first time director. And I'm very grateful to everyone. Making the film was a great experience of teamwork, and developed friendships.

CO-Bruce: What was it like to shoot in your home town?

Bonnie Hunt: Like a dream come true. To go home, to hire all my friends, and share the experience of making a film with my family. And the entire city of Chicago welcomed all of us with open arms...and windy hairdos.

IsaRhoo: I am not surprised that the critics are loving it. How long did it actually take to get the movie written and sold and made?

Bonnie Hunt: The whole process was about two and a half years. In Hollywood terms, that's fairly quick. And after all the work, the biggest joy has been to sit in a full theater and hear the laughter. I'm always very moved by that.

IsaRhoo: Can you discuss the process of directing? It seems like an awesome task.

Bonnie Hunt: Well, you certainly don't do it alone. You may be at the helm of the ship, but you have an incredibly talented crew that each and every day teaches you and guides you and hopefully respects your storytelling leadership. I had a great team. Movies are made by teams.

Brigitte: Bonnie, is there a particular movie that you would like to direct someday?

Bonnie Hunt: I don't know if I could describe a particular story, but I do know that I would love to be involved in directing and writing films that move us emotionally, make us think, make us forget, and make us laugh.

CO-Bruce: You worked with David on "Beethoven." What was it like this time?

Bonnie Hunt: David is an incredibly talented actor. I was lucky to witness that on "Beethoven" many years ago, and we've always maintained our friendship. We've enjoyed watching each other's careers grow and bringing that shared experience to the set each day was wonderful. We had a shorthand in communicating and creative respect for each other, and David is simply a joy to work with. I love this guy. He was kind to my family, always an encouraging and willing member of the team, always prepared. And he has a great sense of humor. We're good buddies. It made work easy.

BusyBrat: Carroll O'Connor is an amazing actor. I read that you asked for him specifically to play the role he plays. What made you think of him for this role?

Bonnie Hunt: I think it was the strong connection I felt with my father. He always loved watching Carroll O'Connor on "All in the Family." My dad passed away when I was 18 and over the years, whenever I would see Carroll on television, he brought back good memories. Of course, that's all a personal connection, but on the professional side, Carroll is a gifted actor that brings instant credibility to the character of Marty. When we were writing the script, Don Lake and I kept picturing Carroll saying Marty's lines. It was a dream come true when Carroll said he would do the picture. And it's his first picture in 25 years.

AriesRising: You haven't played a lot of leading roles in films. Do you find you enjoy behind the camera more?

Bonnie Hunt: I really enjoy being a part of a good story, whether it's as actress, writer or director. But for the most part, I don't get offered lead roles. I get offered these wonderful supporting character roles and I love playing them. Do I dream of someday playing the lead? Of course. And perhaps that may happen. But if not, I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had.

Bratty-guest: If you could possibly re-do some classic movie or book, what would be your 'dream' one?

Bonnie Hunt: I would love to make a movie that's as suspenseful and romantic as Alfred Hitchcock's "Notorious." It's one of my all-time favorites. But I think it's better to take movies that weren't very well done but have a good story and premise and re-do one of those, instead of messing with the perfect memory of a classic.

CO-emjay: You have great chemistry with David Letterman and Tom Snyder. Who are your favorite interviewers?

Bonnie Hunt: The interviewers I truly enjoy, like David Letterman, are the hosts that truly listen and then respond, instead of the talk shows that are over-produced, where every word is planned and, God forbid, you improvise or go off on a different topic and get that glazed look from the host as he automatically goes into a planned response. Those interviews have been few and far between for me, but when they do happen, they're tough because I find the insincerity somewhat embarrassing. But for the most part I've loved doing talk shows.

Predator-guest: Bonnie, do you find it toughest to direct 'anger' scenes or 'romance' scenes? Why?

Bonnie Hunt: Usually the most subtle of emotions are the hardest to direct because there's no hook, there's no obvious outburst of emotion as with anger. I think anger would probably be a bit easier to display but, of course, it would have to be a defined type of anger. Controlled anger or uncontrollable anger - two ways to go. But I think romance has to be truly sincere or the audience won't buy it. And a good soundtrack always helps.

Manolis_Varnas: You are a wonderful actress and I can't wait to see your new movie. I'd like to ask you who your favorite directors are, and is there any certain actor that you'd love to work with?

Bonnie Hunt: First, thank you for your kind words. And I can't wait for you to see the movie because I'm so proud of it. As far as working with an actor I would love to work with, I wish Cary Grant were still alive - I'd love to work with him. I've been fortunate enough to work with Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford, Robin Williams, Tom Cruise, David Duchovny...what more can a girl ask for? But as a director I look forward to nurturing new talent.

VileNoly: In doing romantic comedies, do you think, as the poets say, that "love is the answer"?

Bonnie Hunt: Love and hard work and dedication is the equation. I'm not sure I have any answers.

CO-John: Did improv play any role?

Bonnie Hunt: Yes, there are moments in this film that are improvised, but for the most part it's scripted. It's just that the actors are so good that you can't tell the difference between improvisation and scripted material.

Phil-guest: Bonnie, what was your favorite television show as a child?

Bonnie Hunt: "The Honeymooners" as a teenager into adulthood. But as a child, probably "H.R. Pufnstuf."

CheckOut: Well, Bonnie, that's the end of this particular scene - our time is up for today. Any closing remarks before we call this chat a wrap?

Bonnie Hunt: Thanks to everybody for your thoughtful questions and encouragement. I hope you all enjoy the movie.

CheckOut.com: Thank you, Bonnie, for joining CheckOut.com and Talk City to discuss "Return to Me."

This has been a production of CheckOut.com and Talk City, Inc. Copyright 2000. All rights reserved.