Interview with Bradley Cooper

On His Experience In The Movie Burnt, His Relationships With Co-Stars, Fame, Existential Reflection, And The Gender Pay Gap.

- The Interview Feed

Working on Burnt posed a significant full circle for Bradley Cooper. Having previously worked as a busboy and a prep cook in his early years in college and trying to get his break in Hollywood, it gave the 40 year-old Pennsylvanian a chance to look back at how far he’s come. “Never before have I worked on a project where it’s felt like I’m coming back to where I was — a very heartening experience.”

Cooper may be currently one of Hollywood’s biggest draws, but there remains a pleasant grounded quality afforded to one who didn’t get his big break until well into his mid-30s with The Hangover. Since then, he’s gone on to star in a slew of box office blockbusters, from The A-Team, Limitless, Guardian’s of the Galaxy and pick up three consecutive Oscar nominations for efforts in Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle and American Sniper.

For his performance in Burnt, he plays a hot-tempered chef, struggling to piece together his life after losing his fortune and reputation. Like a phoenix from the ashes, he starts from the bottom again, amassing a crack team of kitchen wizards including Sienna Miller and Alicia Vikander in creating a world-class restaurant and winning the coveted three stars. But at what cost?

In friendly humor, Bradley talks of his experience working on the movie in London under the tutelage of famous chef, Marcus Wareing and why he likes to work repeatedly with the same actors — including good pal, Robert De Niro. There’s also words on fame, existential reflection, and the gender pay gap.

Question (Q): I’m guessing to do a film dedicated to food, you have to love food yourself?