Sandra Bullock Pushed Towards 'Extremely Loud' Role
Actress Sandra Bullock has spoken out about her devastating divorce and doubts about acting, revealing that she had to be persuaded to take the role in her new movie "Extremely Loud."
Bullock split from Jesse James in 2010 after he publicly admitted to having several extramarital affairs, leaving the actress wondering if she would ever return to work.
“I was perfectly content to be permanently broken,” said Bullock speaking to the Associated Press. She, however, noted that “broken” meant a break from work.
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“I honestly didn’t think I was in a place where I wanted to work or wanted to step out of where I was… I wasn’t prepared. But the opportunity was louder than my head,” explained the actress.
Director of “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” Stephen Daldry tracked Bullock down and asked her to appear in the new film. His persistence paid off, and the Oscar-winning actress returned to movies.
“We had a great time,” said Bullock on working on “Extremely Loud.” “It’s no longer ‘selfish actress’ in the moment. I wanted to have an amazing time with him, and fortunately, Mr. Daldry presented it.”
The 47-year-old added, “In every possible way, it was the best!”
Bullock’s last movie, “The Blind Side” in 2009, earned her an Academy Award for best actress and put her on top as a beloved actress. The success was marred by the scandal of her divorce from James. The news was covered extensively by the media, and shortly after the split, she moved forward with the adoption of a baby boy.
The tumultuous period has ended for Bullock though, and the actress said her return to acting has helped.
“What a great way to get back on the horse,” said Bullock of “Extremely Loud.” “It was hard, but it was what it’s supposed to be.”
In the film Bullock plays a widow whose husband, portrayed by Tom Hanks, died in the World Trade Center attack in New York on Sept. 11. The plot follows their son, portrayed by Thomas Horn, who searches New York City for the matching lock to the key left behind by his father, as he heals from the loss. "Extremely Loud" was released last Friday and is playing in theaters nationwide.
