Post by canadia on May 26, 2011 11:44:16 GMT -5
UNI had exclusive access to Gerard Butler on his whirlwind visit to Dubai where he shared some intimate details about himself, answered fans’ daring questions, received an award, and got uneasy over a marriage proposal. Sherry Tenorio was there to unravel the puzzle pieces.
“Student Day!” Gerard Butler shouts amidst the screaming pool of fans that crowded the First Group Theatre in Madinat Jumeirah. The Scottish actor takes a long haul flight to the Emirates to receive Variety’s International Star of the Year Award.
Gerard Butler, who was destined to be a lawyer, is now one of the hottest Hollywood heartthrobs. His fans – from all over the world – swoon and daydream whenever they see him on or off screen. Gerard Butler proves to be a versatile actor, having played different roles in various movie genres. He is the mysterious Phantom in the cinematic musical ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ the mighty Greek King Leonidus in the epic ‘300,’ the troubled villain in action-drama ‘Law Abiding Citizen,’ and the modern-day Prince Charming in the chick flicks ‘P.S. I Love You’, ‘The Ugly Truth’, and ‘The Bounty Hunter’ to name a few.
Packed with good looks, charm and innate sense of humour, Gerard Butler dazzles the media during a Q&A session, and wins more female hearts and hardcore fans during a straight talk where students from Jumeirah College, Westminster School, American School of Dubai and others are present. While being grilled on a hot seat at ‘In Conversation with Gerard Butler’, he wittingly answers, trying to be honest and down-to-earth as much as possible, earning him A+ points.
“My report cards usually say ‘very bright but if you spent lesser time trying to impress everybody else then you could have done a lot better’.”
Were you a good student?
Not really (chuckles). I studied well but I was busy showing off to everybody, trying to be the class clown, trying to flirt with the girls. My report cards usually say ‘very bright but if you spent lesser time trying to impress everybody else then you could have done a lot better’. But, when I was 15, I sort of had a weird moment of clarity when I thought to myself that I should stick school, go to a university, get a nice degree then marry a beautiful woman, have a lovely family, earn a lot of money. That made me stay in school and get a law degree.
How did your study of law help your acting?
I graduated with a law degree and then did a diploma. While I was working as a lawyer, to be perfectly honest, I was sacked before I qualified. But that gave me the perfect opportunity to let the universe have its wicked way with me, which was great because I’d always wanted to get into acting. When I was doing law, I was confused and felt I wasted 7 years of my life, but I do not regret where my life took me. Studying helped me learn how to use my brain, discipline myself, organize and prepare for my work. I’ve brought my experiences into acting.
Why did you choose acting over law?
I just love to entertain. There is no better buzz than to know you are entertaining others.
What is the question you wish media would stop asking you?
I wish they would stop asking me about dating Jennifer Aniston. Don’t get me wrong, she is one of my most favourite people on this planet… she’s so cool. But there’s nothing there. And I don’t like how it gets dragged out in the media all the time.
What is your take on the gossips about you?
I’m not saying I’m an angel. But when I read about some of the things I’m supposed to have done I think ‘I really wish I had the time.’
How do you choose a project?
My career has moved ahead very quickly. I can say I work all these different genres, but it’s still pretty much Hollywood-based. Offer me something! I’m always up for trying out something new. I have a multitude of criteria when considering taking a movie — the role, the story, the director, the cast and where you’re going to film. But for me, one of the main things is the underlying or prevailing messages. I feel a big responsibility.
Would you consider doing a low-budget film?
Absolutely. I’m producing two movies at the moment and they’re low budget. I’m sure I’m getting 10 cents for each one! But if it’s an interesting project, I take it.
How do you feel about your ‘International Star of the Year’ Award?
It feels pretty good to get this award. I don’t win a lot of things- I think I won a raffle once. My manager came in a few months ago jumping up and down and said I’d won, and it was great. It also gave me a chance to come back to Dubai… I love coming here. I came once before for the biggest show I’ve ever seen in my life at The Atlantis.
Describe Dubai in a sentence.
Dubai is flashy… sexy… fascinating… interesting… warm.
What is the ugly truth about you?
If you hang a bit more, you will find out (laughs).
Final question comes from an art student who boldly says “I’m sorry I just have to ask if you’ll marry me?”
(long pause) I guess! I have to ask my manager (grins). But, let’s do it! (laughs) We’re getting ridiculous now so, let’s wrap it up Student Day!
“Student Day!” Gerard Butler shouts amidst the screaming pool of fans that crowded the First Group Theatre in Madinat Jumeirah. The Scottish actor takes a long haul flight to the Emirates to receive Variety’s International Star of the Year Award.
Gerard Butler, who was destined to be a lawyer, is now one of the hottest Hollywood heartthrobs. His fans – from all over the world – swoon and daydream whenever they see him on or off screen. Gerard Butler proves to be a versatile actor, having played different roles in various movie genres. He is the mysterious Phantom in the cinematic musical ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ the mighty Greek King Leonidus in the epic ‘300,’ the troubled villain in action-drama ‘Law Abiding Citizen,’ and the modern-day Prince Charming in the chick flicks ‘P.S. I Love You’, ‘The Ugly Truth’, and ‘The Bounty Hunter’ to name a few.
Packed with good looks, charm and innate sense of humour, Gerard Butler dazzles the media during a Q&A session, and wins more female hearts and hardcore fans during a straight talk where students from Jumeirah College, Westminster School, American School of Dubai and others are present. While being grilled on a hot seat at ‘In Conversation with Gerard Butler’, he wittingly answers, trying to be honest and down-to-earth as much as possible, earning him A+ points.
“My report cards usually say ‘very bright but if you spent lesser time trying to impress everybody else then you could have done a lot better’.”
Were you a good student?
Not really (chuckles). I studied well but I was busy showing off to everybody, trying to be the class clown, trying to flirt with the girls. My report cards usually say ‘very bright but if you spent lesser time trying to impress everybody else then you could have done a lot better’. But, when I was 15, I sort of had a weird moment of clarity when I thought to myself that I should stick school, go to a university, get a nice degree then marry a beautiful woman, have a lovely family, earn a lot of money. That made me stay in school and get a law degree.
How did your study of law help your acting?
I graduated with a law degree and then did a diploma. While I was working as a lawyer, to be perfectly honest, I was sacked before I qualified. But that gave me the perfect opportunity to let the universe have its wicked way with me, which was great because I’d always wanted to get into acting. When I was doing law, I was confused and felt I wasted 7 years of my life, but I do not regret where my life took me. Studying helped me learn how to use my brain, discipline myself, organize and prepare for my work. I’ve brought my experiences into acting.
Why did you choose acting over law?
I just love to entertain. There is no better buzz than to know you are entertaining others.
What is the question you wish media would stop asking you?
I wish they would stop asking me about dating Jennifer Aniston. Don’t get me wrong, she is one of my most favourite people on this planet… she’s so cool. But there’s nothing there. And I don’t like how it gets dragged out in the media all the time.
What is your take on the gossips about you?
I’m not saying I’m an angel. But when I read about some of the things I’m supposed to have done I think ‘I really wish I had the time.’
How do you choose a project?
My career has moved ahead very quickly. I can say I work all these different genres, but it’s still pretty much Hollywood-based. Offer me something! I’m always up for trying out something new. I have a multitude of criteria when considering taking a movie — the role, the story, the director, the cast and where you’re going to film. But for me, one of the main things is the underlying or prevailing messages. I feel a big responsibility.
Would you consider doing a low-budget film?
Absolutely. I’m producing two movies at the moment and they’re low budget. I’m sure I’m getting 10 cents for each one! But if it’s an interesting project, I take it.
How do you feel about your ‘International Star of the Year’ Award?
It feels pretty good to get this award. I don’t win a lot of things- I think I won a raffle once. My manager came in a few months ago jumping up and down and said I’d won, and it was great. It also gave me a chance to come back to Dubai… I love coming here. I came once before for the biggest show I’ve ever seen in my life at The Atlantis.
Describe Dubai in a sentence.
Dubai is flashy… sexy… fascinating… interesting… warm.
What is the ugly truth about you?
If you hang a bit more, you will find out (laughs).
Final question comes from an art student who boldly says “I’m sorry I just have to ask if you’ll marry me?”
(long pause) I guess! I have to ask my manager (grins). But, let’s do it! (laughs) We’re getting ridiculous now so, let’s wrap it up Student Day!
