The role of the troubled and uncertain Birdee is played by Sandra Bullock. The role represented a significant departure from Bullock's previous roles. The actress/producer realized that only a director with extensive acting experience would be able to help her realize Birdee's turmoil, complexity and inner strength. Forest Whitaker, who had last guided a gifted cast in the box-office hit "Waiting to Exhale," and who has also received critical attention for his numerous acting stints, seemed the perfect choice. "Forest knows what's inside an actor even when they don't and gives them the confidence to go there," says Bullock. "We were totally in tune." Whitaker's previous directorial effort also made a strong impact. Says Obst, "We were very impressed by the great performances he got out of the women in ÁWaiting to Exhale', and realized he was the perfect choice for our movie."

PART I ][PART II ][ PART III ][ PART IV

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