We Bought A Zoo

Damon Doesn’t Want A Zoo, But He Buys One in His Latest Film

“The film is about turning loss and sadness into joy.” That’s how Director Cameron Crowe described his latest film “We Bought A Zoo” on the red carpet at Ziegfeld Theatre in NYC. “This is a story about a family who got thrown some heartache and hurtles, but followed the possible dream to sort it all out and make tomorrow a better day.”

In it, Matt Damon plays Benjamin, who is struggling to move on six months after his wife died of cancer. So he quits his job and moves his family to a home on an 18-acre estate that includes an animal park. Of course he has no clue how to care for the animals, but thanks to Scarlett Johansson’s zookeeper character, all learn participate in funny moments and teamwork, as well as healing. Damon and ScarJo discussed the film, family and New Year’s resolutions with www.CelebrityEverything.com.

Q: Matt, how did being a father help you playing this role?

Matt: I could relate to him in a way I couldn’t have 10 years ago.

Q: What drew you to this role?

M: It was really Cameron – a chance to work with him. He’s one of the guys I’ve been chasing for a while and he asked me so I said ‘yes.’

Q: Would your kids say that you were cool?

M: I don’t think they think of me as cool, necessarily.

Q: You worked with Scarlett who is a sex symbol and very talented – what do you think of her?

M: Scarlett’s amazing – her beauty is her least impressive feature – she’s talented, super smart and has one of the best senses of humor. Some guy’s going to be very lucky.

Q: Is there any circumstance you would actually buy a zoo?

M: No. I’ve got four kids – my life is a zoo.

Q: Scarlett, If you weren’t an actress, what profession do you think you would have chosen?

Scarlett: I probably would have been maybe a doctor. I love everything that has to do with medicine – diagnostics and all that stuff.

Q: Have you seen “The Avengers” yet?

S: No, but I’m incredibly excited about ‘The Avengers’ – and am anxious to see it.

Q: Do you recall any funny stories that happened with the animals while filming this movie?

S: I think the funniest thing that happened was when we had to collect a bunch of snakes all over the set and watching Matt Damon rock back and forth like a baby in the corner. He was pretty mortified. I was like Matt, seriously, Bourne? He was like, ‘I don’t like them!’ And I was like, ‘Matt, the kids are juggling them! Come on!’

Q: This film is all about family – did it make you want to have kids?

S: The loveliest thing about the kids is that you get to hang out with them and then give them back (chuckles).

Q: What’s on your wish list this season?

S: I don’t know, maybe some cashmere socks.

Q: How do you balance your personal life and work life?

S: I don’t know – you’ll have to ask Matt about it – he’s better than me.

Q: Do you have any New Year’s resolutions in mind for 2012?

S: My New Year’s resolution is to stop and smell the roses. I’m just going to sleep through the holidays this year.