What about the half million dollars to go topless in Swordfish?
Totally not true! I would sell these babies68 for way much more money than that. But it's made for great publicity for the movie.
Was it a freeing experience, pardon the pun69, to bare your breasts on camera?
Not just that. To me it was more than that. It was playing a character who was that in control of her sexuality70, that comfortable with herself. That was the challenge—hat and to not sit there looking half scared to death, which is what I felt inside.
Was it really necessary?
I don't think nudity71 is ever necessary. I think you can make every single movie and never show anything and it's fine. It was a bold choice on our part. It was written in the script72, and when I got offered the part I was told that's who this girl is and it's not negotiable73 to be taken out. So any actress, whether it be me or someone else, had to play the part as she was written. So I did. It's a choice that one makes.
Would you do it again?
Oh, absolutely, I will do it again if the part inspires74 me or calls for it.
Are you surprised we＇re having a discussion about this?
Nope75. I knew it would happen; I expected it and you have not let me down. [Laughs]
How did you feel on the day of that scene?
The hardest part was three months before, deciding to do it. When the day came, it was very anticlimactic76. Hugh was more uncomfortable than I was, because I see these all the time. He was like, “Oh my God! There she is.” It's a striking example of the power women have. That's what I thought. I hope women would feel that way because that's our power and not feel exploited. If we learn to use that power, we have the world right here.
You two flirt77 in the film． Was that just natural chemistry78?
It was in the script. But because we knew each other from all those months in Canada making X－Men, we had a chemistry, a banter79, and a rhythm80 we'd developed. But it was written in the script.
How many songs have you inspired on Eric＇s new album?
[Smiles] About six. Well, his new album has a lot of love songs, songs about people coming together and what that feels like. The songs are very loving.
What＇s the biggest lesson you＇ve learned?
Just to be true to myself, which is why I did this movie. I figured everyone was going to freak out81 and say, “Why would you do that after Dorothy Dandridge?” My answer is “Because I can.” And that feels really good to be comfortable saying that.
Did winning the Emmy and Golden Globe awards for Dandridge give you more confidence?
Absolutely. I can relax now in my life. I think that's what shows. I'm just comfortable. If I don't make another movie, if I don't win another award, I've made a contribution that I can be really proud of. I don't have that desire anymore. And I think things will come my way because I'm sort of loosened-up.
Does fame82 ever become a burden83?
Yeah, but I can think of worse burdens to have. You begin to become stifled84 because so much weight is put on your words. We're no different than anybody else, but somehow when we speak, more emphasis85 is put on our opinions. When I hear someone say, “I don't know why you took your top off in Swordfish, my daughter used to look up to you,” I just think, I'm sorry I let your daughter down, but guess what? I'm living my life.
How good an actor do you think you are?
I'm not so good.
You feel you have a lot to learn?
Uh-huh. And I'm just trying to do it before I get too old. I'm racing the clock! [Laughs]