Sandra Bullock is a seasoned actor who has been in the film industry since the 90s. The Gravity star has held the title of the world’s highest-paid actress twice, in 2010 and then again in 2014.
Sandra Bullock’s career in Hollywood has been on an impressive trajectory.
The actress made her Hollywood debut in 1987 with Hangmen, after receiving attention for her acting in the off-broadway play No Time Flat. She now ranks as one of the most popular Hollywood actresses after doing some iconic roles in films like The Proposal (2009), The Heat (2013), and Gravity (2013) which made her a bankable star. She has also received an Academy Award for her heartfelt performance in The Blindside (2009)
Million Dollar Baby: The Alleged Unsellable Film
According to Irish Examiner, Sandra Bullock had pitched Million Dollar Baby to several executives, but nobody was willing to touch it. She kept getting shot down and was told “female boxing movies don’t sell.”
The film tells the story of Maggie, an aspiring boxer, who seeks guidance from a hardened coach Frankie Dunn, who has almost given up on his dream of training a champion. He unwillingly agrees to train Maggie after she relentlessly vies for his guidance. It is a powerful and emotional drama about the two characters and how circumstances change their lives, leading them to develop an irrevocable bond with one another.
Bullock was the first actress attached to the role of Maggie, and she was pursuing Shekhar Kapur to direct the film. Unfortunately, despite her constant efforts, the film did not seem to be taking off. It reached a point where the film was labeled as ‘Unsellable’.
Eventually, Bullock placed her focus elsewhere and started filming for the sequel to Miss Congeniality. With time, Million Dollar Baby went on to get the green light. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts at the time, Sandra Bullock was unable to star in it. The role was eventually given to Hilary Swank, and Clint Eastwood swooped in to direct.
Around the time of release, rumors started to stir that Sandra Bullock had rejected Million Dollar Baby. But the actress was quick to shut down rumors.
The Million Dollar Controversy
The movie was based on stories in RopeBurns: Stories from the Corner (2000), written by veteran boxing trainer and manager Jerry Boyd. The script was a combination of three short stories from the book, namely The Monkey Look, Million $$$ Baby, and Frozen Water.
While it isn’t based on a true story, the film created quite a controversy. Many writers were of the opinion that the film was “politically motivated” to argue in favor of euthanasia. Disability rights activists also had their share of grievances, claiming the film implies that those with disabilities are “better off dead”.
Despite its fair share of controversy, the film did exceptionally well, garnering a whopping seven Academy Award nominations, and winning four of them.
Source: Showbiz Cheatsheet
