Interview

KA: Then what was it like playing the husband of Jessica Biel in Easy Virtue?

BB: Actually, we were in the recording studio together just this morning. We were singing some songs together in this sort of '20s jazz vibe, and it was so much fun. My character has to be in love with Jessica's character like a puppy, which is not a very difficult thing to act.

KA: How are you finding being called a sex symbol?

BB: I honestly find it slightly cringey and embarrassing [laughs]. I don't really believe it, to be honest.

KA: Do you find yourself playing it up? I've seen you quoted as saying something really cheesy like "I'm single and looking for a normal gal."

BB: Oh, no! They always just make it sound ridiculous. I was asked, "Have you got a girlfriend?" I said no. Then I said, "But I think having a big film coming out will probably help that"-as a joke! The dryness of the delivery was entirely sucked out. It was obviously supposed to be a joke, but when I read it, it was like I was looking for the babes. I've never said "babes" in my entire life! I find it really just embarrassing. Even the words film star make me feel awkward. I don't know how you're supposed to respond when people say things like that. Certainly I don't get any more attention on the street or in bars than I ever did.

KA: You think you've been waylaid with a lot of pressure lately as a rising star?

BB: When you're doing a film, people are
always telling you exactly what to do. Literally, your own decisions are taken away from you. After three months of publicity, you'll get a menu and think, I don't know what I want. You have to ask other people what they are having to cover up this inability to make a decision.

KA: Would you ever return to singing?

BB: Never say never, but I highly doubt it. I love music and I love singing. I just feel that musicians have a harder time than actors do.

KA: But a lot of actors are in bands.

BB: I like the ones who just kind of do it for fun. The Johnny Depps and Russell Crowes. It's great if you're not trying to pimp it out and exploit it for all it's worth.

KA: What do you sing in the bath?

BB: Well, I was in Japan a few times recently, doing karaoke, and there were a lot of Beatles songs flying around.

KA: Favorite tune?

BB: "Twist and Shout." What I love is that they'd done two solid days of recording, and it was late in the evening on the second day, and John Lennon's voice was completely shot, and he just completely went for it, ruining his voice for a week.