Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Benjamin Button - Brad Pitt:
From his introduction in Thelma & Louise to Interview with a Vampire, from Legends of the Fall to the Ocean's movies - Brad Pitt is truly a Hollywood star. It had been 4 years since Brad had last sat on Oprah's stage, so the audience was thrilled was Oprah announced his visit.
When Brad first sat down with Oprah, they discussed how his life has changed the most in the last 4 years - he has become the father of 6 children with his partner, Angelina Jolie. When Oprah asked Brad if he and Angelina would be having more children, he responded, probably.
Brad shared of having children, "It's the thing I'm most proud of. It's the greatest endeavor we've ever taken and the most interesting, most fulfilling, most rewarding thing I have ever experienced, and why should I stop?" He also admitted to developing a tough skin having to deal with the bodily functions of his children, saying that they cannot break him down.
Brad and Angelina welcomed twins Knox and Vivienne to their family 4 months ago and Brad described them as lovely. He shared that Knox looks like him, while Vivienne looks like Angelina. With 4 other children, Brad and Angelina have had some help at home.
Being a father has also made Brad a better person. He expressed that having children has helped him to see who he truly is, what's important to him and how he reacts to things. Bringing a meaning and purpose to his life, Brad shared that being a father has made his work as an actor both more important because of how they will see him in his films, but less important because work comes after family.
Being followed by photographers can be difficult for the kids, but Brad shared that they try to explain the situation to the kids and make it less of an issue.
Having a close family is important to Brad and Angelina - he shared that doing things together is key in their life and letting each of the children know that they are special and loved is something that they continue to stress, especially with the introduction of new children.
Brad also revealed a side of Angelina that many people do not know. While she is seen as a very sexual and strong female, he expressed that she is also a wonderful mother, with amazing grace and spirit and is the glue of the family.
Having children has brought so much into Brad's life - he declared that his kids are the funniest people he's ever met and that they are all unique and have their own funny things. Daughter Shiloh's new thing is to be called John or Peter from the movie Peter Pan. The kids also like to play tricks on their parents, finding ways to have slumber parties at night. Brad described that after the kids are asleep, one will wake up and want to read another book, and then another; like taking shifts. Brad and Oprah ended their family talk by daring to say that Brad is the happiest he's ever been.
Brad's latest film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is based off of a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald that tells of the life of a man who is born at the age of 80 and ages backwards. Brad played Benjamin Button at every age in the film, with the help of computer graphics. He described the film as a lovely story that covers universal topics of family and the people you meet throughout your life. The film takes place in New Orleans, which Brad stated is another character in the story - the city gave the film magic, mystery and spirit. Brad's love interest in the film is played by Cate Blanchett.
Cate plays the role of Daisy, who falls for Benjamin when they are the same age, but struggles when he gets younger and she older. The unconventional actress has wowed audiences in Elizabeth, Lord of the Rings, Aviator and I'm Not There and has natural chemistry with Brad for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button as they worked together playing husband and wife for the film Babel.
Cate revealed at the start of her interview that the theme of Benjamin Button isn't one that is regularly covered in film - touching on the emotions that accompany aging and death are not ones that people often address. Cate reflected on her history of losing her father at a young age and being raised by her mother and grandmother while making the film because it is a story of life from birth to death.
Viewers Jennifer and Michael asked Brad if he had ever been home alone with all 6 children. He responded that 4 is his current limit, but that he hopes to move up to all 6.
Shane, from California, asked Cate a dating question - what qualities he should bring out in himself and what she looked for when she found her husband. Cate expressed that fitting together in bed is important and that her husband had the qualities she admired in a man, which were strength and humor.
Brad's fan Christina asked about his tattoos which he responded to by expressing that it's a great thing to do with your partner.
Jen asked Brad what he would do with a day if he could go unrecognized in public. Brad revealed that he would like to live without fences, seeing his neighbors and letting his kids go from house to house - having a barbeque and seeing the ice cream truck.
Beth asked Brad and Cate how they celebrate the holidays. Cate responded that in Australia it's hot at Christmas but they have lots of food and enjoy helping others. Brad and Angelina alternate from staying home one year to traveling the next. The family likes to travel to the countries where their adopted children were born to have the entire family experience, understand and enjoy the history.
Kim, a personal chef, asked Cate and Brad about their favorite meals. Cate shared that she goes through stages such as muesli or sushi all the time, but that if she had to choose a last meal, it would be a bowl of rice. Brad stated that he's not a picky eater and also eats in stages for a week or two at a time - his current style of food is Indian.
