Sandra Bullock’s filmography is varied and challenging. From Gravity to Speed and The Bullet Train to Ocean’s Eight, the actress has proved how dynamic she is as a performer. But once upon a time, she was also America’s sweetheart, and films like The Proposal and the iconic Miss Congeniality prove it.
Even today, Miss Congeniality (2000) is considered a comedic and great film that subverted tropes in the best ways possible. Bullock played the role of FBI agent Gracie Hart who has to go undercover in a pageant. However, for the star doing the catwalk was much more difficult than the combat.
Sandra Bullock Had A Tough Time Doing The Catwalk Instead Of The Stunts
An absolutely iconic line from Miss Congeniality happens when Sandra Bullock‘s Gracie Hart says:
“I am in a dress, I have gel in my hair, I haven’t slept all night, I’m starved, and I’m armed! Don’t *mess* with me!”
Turns out, Bullock would much rather do the armed action scenes rather than put gel in her hair and heels on her feet for a catwalk. In an interview, she said:
“The most difficult thing for me is walking and talking with breasts that aren’t mine in six-inch stiletto heels.”
The film did have plenty of scenes where the star had to be on stage and be part of the Miss United States pageant. In fact, the scene where she falls down intentionally or unintentionally is still considered one of the best comic scenes. Bullock once stated that she loves physical comedy and can’t be satisfied with only saying funny lines.
Sandra Bullock Revealed She’s A Physical Comic Actor
During the release of The Lost City, a film she stars in with Channing Tatum, Sandra Bullock revealed that she loves doing physical comedy because that’s just where she excels at. The Demolition Man star said:
“I love being physical, especially with comedy, it’s always funny. I`m a physical comedian. I don’t do as well with just words and not having something to do with my body. I love it. As long as you can do it, do it.”
The star also said that doing comedic movies is way harder than making dramatic films. She said:
“They’re harder to make, but when you land a comedic moment, or a joke, or something that makes the audience laugh, you know it right away. It’s immediate gratification on set. When you do a drama, someone in the editing room helps you, the musician helps you – there’s all these elements that help enhance your performance.”
However, Bullock has successfully navigated both genres and then some more to become a worthy veteran and acting legend. In some ways, she’s in a league of her own.
Miss Congeniality is available on HBO Max.
Source: YouTube
