Santanu Roy
Although Sandra Bullock has parted ways with acting for now following extreme burnout, the actress did make sure to go out with a bang, as her last few projects became big hits. But arguably the most prominent one was The Unforgivable, which despite failing to score high among critics, did make huge numbers for Netflix, becoming one of the most popular Netflix releases of all time.
And while the movie had its fair share of issues, Bullock’s performance in the thriller was enough to overshadow its shortcomings, as the actress expressed she had a blast filming this drama.
Breaking Gender Norms Was a Relief for Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock had a blast playing the role of Ruth Slater, as it was unlike anything she ever tackled before. In the drama, her character is released from prison after serving a 20-year sentence for killing a cop, who is on the search for her little sister, and Bullock brings her A-game to the role, elevating the movie’s quality. Reflecting on the intense performance she delivered, Bullock expressed that breaking the gender norms was a relief, stating that society mostly expects women to “stuff it down and behave”. Bullock said to Rosanna Scotto:
“For some reason, women are not supposed to show anger or feel pain or feel rage. We’re supposed to stuff it down and behave, Why? It was hard to allow myself but very easy once I gave myself permission. It’s easy, you just take life and you let it come out. It was a nice release.”
Surprisingly, the Miss Congeniality Star wasn’t the initial pick for the role, as reports emerged stating that Angelina Jolie was originally offered the role of Ruth Slater, who let it slide away. But this isn’t the lone time Bullock came close to losing a prominent role to Jolie, who was director Alfonso Cuarón’s initial choice to lead The Gravity.
Angelina Jolie Was the Original Pick for The Gravity
While the role of Ruth Slater is arguably her most intense performance, her portrayal of Ryan Stone is probably Sandra Bullock’s best performance to date. But things would’ve been drastically different if things went according to director Alfonso Cuarón’s original plans, who initially imagined Angelina Jolie in the aforementioned role. Cuarón said (via The Hollywood Reporter):
“I had conversations with Angelina, but then she went to do one film, and then she was going to direct [Unbroken]. Something happens, you part ways.”
Although The Unforgivable doesn’t hold a candle to Cuarón’s The Gravity, the movie is still definitely worth viewing, thanks to Bullock’s performance, who carries the Netflix release on her shoulders.
The Unforgivable is available to stream on Netflix.
Source: Good Day New York
