The chat
EVA MENDES
The pin-up girl talks chick flicks, idolising Mick Jagger, and why she won't be going down the reality TV route for a few years…
Apparently you revealed a crush on Mick Jagger when you met him recently?
It wasn't a crush, it's more like hero worship. He's a music god. If John Lennon was around, I would have the same reaction. I'm a big music girl. A lot of my favourite bands come from Manchester.
Like who?
The Smiths, for one. And Oasis - They're one of my favuorite bands. And 'The Charlatans'. But, for me, meeting Mick Jagger… he's my Guru.
You've worked with some great leading men - Will Smith, Matt Damon, Denzel Washington, Nicolas Cage. Is there anything they all share that makes them stars?
Great question. It's what they bring to the script. They have different techniques. Some love to rehearse, some don't, they all create, they add.
You're proud of your Cuban heritage. Is the film industry getting better at accepting diversity?
I think it's slowly but surely getting better. When I first started, every time I went up for a part they would ask me to do it in a Spanish accent. At first I complied but finally I stood up for myself. And people such as Jennifer Lopez and Salma Hayek, who were around before me, helped open doors.
You've just been in The Women. Is there a different dynamic on an all-female set?
The Women was an independent film so it wasn't like it was a big tea party. It was fun but it was hard work. Some guys just want to hear that we were pillow-fighting and tickling each other.
So what's your take on chick flicks?
There's a time and a place for them. Sometimes you just want to hang up your thinking cap. Sometimes you're in the mood for pretty girls in pretty dresses.
You're in reality-TV satire Live! Are you a fan?
I feel some reality TV is quite clever and fun, but there's some mindless stuff that's poison for the soul. I don't really put my personal beliefs into my roles. I just found a script I really liked.
Would you consider doing the celebrity version of The Apprentice?
My career's going too well right now to ever consider that. Talk to me in 30 years.
