Sandra Bullock: ‘George Clooney and I were separated at birth’
Ocean’s 8 star Sandra Bullock on pal George Clooney and why she’ll only do a film every two years…
He’s smart, funny, successful and a doting parent. In many ways, Hollywood actress Sandra Bullock is just like best mate George Clooney – except when it comes to acting cool. The 53-year-old plays George’s on-screen sister, Debbie Ocean, in new movie Ocean’s 8 – the sequel to Ocean’s
Eleven. The film sees the male heist squad given the boot, in favour of an all-female gang that includes Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter and Rihanna. Off-screen, Sandra revels in her role as a parent to her two adopted children – Louis, eight, and sixyear-old Laila…
So, Sandra, what can you tell us about Ocean’s 8?
It’s eight very opinionated, feisty, awesome women who like to micro-manage but love each other furiously! [The producers] put together a great group of women. I feel lucky because it doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes there’s a little bad apple! There were no bad apples.
What was it like making the movie together?
You’d think hard, but it was freakishly easy. Everyone kept saying, ‘Eight women in a trailer? What’s that like?!’ But there were no problems – we really liked each other.
Was it a challenge to play Debbie Ocean?
It’s very hard for me to be that cool. Debbie is so straight and cool that, at times, I wanted to be goofy and crack a joke so badly, but I couldn’t, because she’s nothing like me.
Initially, your character has $45 (£35) to her name. If you were down to your last $45, what would you do?
I’d buy a large, cheap, loaf of bread, some tuna, plastic forks and something I could wrap around me to sleep at night. I’d literally be thinking survival.
You starred in Gravity with George Clooney… what’s your relationship like?
I think we were separated at birth! We split and one woman housed one of us, and another woman housed the other. Then we were brought together again, because that’s what happens with twins! We knew each other long before either of us could pay our bills, so it’s only right that we get to be siblings.
Did you talk to George about making this movie? I said, ‘I killed you in Gravity and now I need you to step aside again!’ But he was fine with it, mainly because he was going off to have some babies. No, seriously, George is very generous. He’s always happy to pass the torch as long as it’s honouring the work and the tone. I think we did that.
How important is fitting work around your family?
I’ve had a pretty fortunate run. I work hard and I love what I do, but my whole life was working – that was all I had. I was in hotel rooms with suitcases and I loved it, but I didn’t have a home. I’ve been given a gift, being allowed to be a mom. That’s why I now only work every two years.
How is life at home since Laila came along?
It’s much louder – Laila has a voice that carries. She is going to be a singer or a judge. I don’t know which, but definitely someone who commands the room with her voice!
Does family change the way you pick movies?
Well, if it were up to my son, I’d do nothing but watch the Batman movies. I keep looking to work on films Louis loves, but apparently there’s no need for me in those. I could do a movie Laila likes, such as Frozen, but they seem to have that down, too. You want the kids to be able to see something you’ve done, though!
How do you feel when you attend red carpet events?
Overwhelmed. I always say, ‘I have to put on the armour and go robotic.’ Once I get there, I don’t like the photos. And you know what? I never have.
What do you still want to achieve in your career?
Ha, I’m just looking to get my kids to school on time! That’s my goal right now. If a good role comes along, it’s the icing on the cake. l
Ocean’s 8 is in cinemas nationwide now