I Love Kevin Smith

After hearing of the tribulations some actors go through at the hands of merciless directors it must sometimes seem a little daunting to throw yourself upon the mercy of Hollywood's eccentric auteurs. Unless, that is, you happen to be lucky enough to work on a Kevin Smith film. According to Shannon Elizabeth, star of Smith's latest project, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, working with the director is akin to the proverbial walk in the park. "Kevin's such an amazing guy, he's just so much fun," croons Shannon. "He's so laid back, he's like 'sit on the floor, have fun, wear sweats,' you know? 'Sit in the director's chair, just hang out.'" Hardly reminiscent of Tom and Nicole's tearful fits at the late Stanley Kubrick's demand for a hundredth take. But if Smith's sets seem more like playtime at the local high school than a serious attempt at filmmaking, it's because Kevin Smith is not your average filmmaker. "He's just a cool guy," says Shannon. "Anything goes on set. He's very anti-Hollywood, he feels that anybody can direct he doesn't know why they give him money to do it. You can be yourself around him no matter what." Taking on the role of jewel thief Justice, Shannon has the -- perhaps unenviable -- task of being Jay's love interest in the film. But she's quick to point out that there's more to her role than just a lust object for Jason Mewes' hapless stoner. "I kind of portray justice throughout the script, that's my name and that's what I am. I try to keep everything fair and even and when things go wrong I try to make them right." Shannon's latest role takes a slightly less comical turn in supernatural thriller Thir13en Ghosts: "Its very dark and they're saying its very scary so I can't wait to see it. I had a great time filming it." Shannon Elizabeth will next be seen reprising the role of Czech exchange student Nadia in American Pie 2, out this month.