Kruger’s spirited confidence became even more apparent when Cage came up to Turteltaub after the test and said “She made me a little uncomfortable; that was really good.” That helped to clinch the role, along with her commanding smarts.
“Diane is a beautiful, dynamic actress with a great sense of humor, and another wonderful thing about her is that you really believe she could be somebody who is in charge at the National Archives because she has a real strong sense of authority,” comments Bruckheimer.
Though her character was born in Germany, Diane Kruger sees Abigail as a committed patriot. “Her position as the Conservator of the Charters of Freedom isn’t just a job to her; she believes it is also a very important responsibility,” Kruger explains. “She loves the United States and sees the Declaration of Independence almost like her child in the sense that she can’t bear the thought of anyone doing harm to it.”
Kruger went on her own journey preparing for the role by visiting the real Declaration of Independence. “For me, NATIONAL TREASURE has such a great story because not only is it filled with great action but you also have a chance to discover something new,” she says. Arriving on the set to work side by side with Nicolas Cage was another exciting moment for Kruger. “He’s truly an artist,” she comments. “What amazed me is that I never imagined his character to be all the things that he made it through his performance. He is so loose and authentic and inventive all the time, that it’s very inspiring to everyone working with him.”
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