Entertainment | Film & Cinema
Susan Sarandon's grand plan
Hollywood actress and activist Susan Sarandon is changing the world - one movie at a time.
- By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:03 October 19, 2008
- Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News
- "Hollywood is a bunch of big corporations who make movies which are marketable. Some choose to make a stand, but it's a lonely road," Susan Sarandon.
With a heavy sigh Susan Sarandon flops onto a gold couch and proves her sense of humour is well and truly intact. "I was wondering when this was going to happen," she jokes, addressing the group of poised-pen journalists eagerly awaiting their chance to probe the Oscar-winning actress.
While many seasoned celebrities know how to play the media game, veering from any PR landmines, Sarandon is not afraid to say what what's really on her mind — even if it may ruffle feathers.
Case in point: "I think it's up to women to raise their sons differently. Maybe mothers can be held responsible when it comes to some of the actions taken by men. In many ways I hold Barbara Bush responsible — and there's your sound bite or headline for tomorrow," she laughs.
While Sarandon is not afraid to mix humour with politics, there are fewer jokes when discussing the purpose of her visit to Abu Dhabi last week — the documentary The Shape of Water, which was presented at the Middle East International Film Festival. Directed by first-time filmmaker Kum-Kum Bhavnani, Sarandon narrates the frank account of women living in third world countries and the challenges they face.
Outspoken liberal
"This documentary shows there is no such thing as an ordinary woman," says the actress, who is best known for her gender-empowering roles in Thelma and Louise and Dead Man Walking.
"I think it's more important to respect each other rather than focus on one specific gender, but I do think that women, and particularly mothers, have a very important role to play. It's not that I am anti-men but I think there are many issues which have to be tackled by women as a way of trying to break a life-long structure of power."
For Sarandon, narrating the 70-minute documentary was an education. "We have a limited view of what is going on in this part of the world. The American media and internet, for all its good points, are increasingly unreliable sources of information."
From her relationship with actor Tim Robbins (who is 12 years her junior) to her early protests against the war in Iraq, Sarandon has never been afraid to buck convention. However, she refutes the perception that Hollywood is political — a soapbox for those vying the top job in Washington.
"Hollywood is a bunch of big corporations who make movies which are marketable, not that will make a difference. Some choose to make a stand, but it's a lonely road. They care more about whether you're old and fat rather than the message you're trying to put across."
Ageing beautifully
At 62, the question of ageing in Hollywood is something Sarandon finds she is increasingly being asked about. While still a curvaceous bombshell, it's evident she has so far avoided the surgeon's scalpel with a few tell-tale wrinkles weathering the actress's face. "I hope I am ageing beautifully on the inside and the rest will follow," she admits.
"But that's not to say I'd never have any work done. I think if you live in California you are more inclined to have some renovations done. It's scary though because everyone starts to look the same — you're not supposed to look 30 at 60. Although if everyone does it then great, that will leave all the roles for older women for me."
The mother of three says she'd love to take on more roles but finds it difficult to juggle family commitments. "When I left for two weeks for the filming of Dry White Season my daughter was furious," she recounts. "I came back through the door and she said ‘don't you ever do that again' — she was three at the time. My youngest is now 16 and he would probably sooner see me gone but I am conscious of their younger years. I really don't know how Angelina Jolie does it with all those little ones."
She says she finds inspiration from fellow actresses such as Jane Fonda — who was also in Abu Dhabi last week to accept a Lifetime Achievement Award.
"I respect her longevity and think she is a great example. She has a fabulous sense of humour and should be praised. Our paths don't really cross that much but I love the fact she is not bitter and still loves life."
Asked whether like Fonda, her political activism has been at the expense of her career, Sarandon is unrepentant. "I don't think about it like that," she says. "I think it would be like worrying if your slip is showing while running from a burning building. I don't think you can look back."
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