A Mature Theme For Sigourney

Sigourney Weaver starred in many films playing heroines, seductresses and villains. Now, Weaver takes a shot at playing the object of her 15-year-old stepson's infatuation in the independent film, "Tadpole."

The Early Show talks with the actress about her new independent film to be released by Miramax and the controversy plot it may stir.

"Tadpole" is the story of a very mature 15-year-old New York City kid who is infatuated with his stepmother. The independent art film was shot on digital video with a shoestring budget but it was able to attract a great cast.

In the movie, Oscar, played by Aaron Stanford, returns home from his boarding school for Thanksgiving vacation with his father, played by John Ritter, and stepmother. Bebe Neuwirth plays his stepmother's best friend, who seduces him. Robert Iler, who plays the son on "The Sopranos," plays Oscar's best friend.

Weaver doesn't think the fact that an older woman seducing a 15-year-old boy is something that warrants controversy. She believes the film is about individuals, and the boy is a 40-year-old trapped in the body of a 15-year-old. She admits most adolescents are not ready for sex, however, she said in this case with these specific characters the plot makes sense.

Weaver said that her character is at first surprised by her stepson's infatuation and was disapproving when she learns that the BeBe Neuwirth character had slept with him. But eventually she realizes that he is mature beyond his years. The ending, she says, is intentionally ambiguous.

What's next for Weaver? She just finished shooting a film called "The Guys" which is about a real life journalist who was asked by a fire chef to help him write eulogies after 9/11. The producers are trying to finish the film and have it ready for the one-year anniversary of 9/11, but they aren't sure if it will be released theatrically or on cable.

FAST FACTS ABOUT SIGOURNEY WEAVER:

• Susan Alexandra Weaver was born on Oct. 8, 1949.
  
• Weaver changed her name to Sigourney after reading "The Great Gatsby."
  
• Her father is Pat Weaver, NBC-TV president (1953-55), who pioneered the desk-and-couch talk show format that still survives on two programs he created — NBC's "Today" and "Tonight" show.
  
• Her mother, Elizabeth Inglis, was an Alfred Hitchcock actress.
  
• Sigourney grew to 6 feet tall by the age of 12.
  
• She graduated from Stanford University in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in English and afterwards she studied at Yale School of Drama for her master's degree.