Drew Barrymore stopped by Good Morning America on Wednesday to promote ‘Big Miracle’ and explained the challenges of being a method actor.
In the film, Barrymore plays Rachel Kramer, an environmental activist who executes a worldwide campaign to free a family of whales trapped in the Arctic Circle. In an attempt at authenticity, the actress decided to dive into the ocean for one of her scenes. Barrymore mentioned that her attempt was instantly met with excruciating pain.
“The director of this film, Ken Kwapis, he had us in Alaska on this ice flow, we felt like we were working in a snow globe theatre… I got to swim in freezing cold Alaskan waters with harbor seals…
“It felt like knives going into my body. It was insane. They told me the temperature was 34 degrees (Fahrenheit) and I was like, ‘That doesn’t sound so bad.’ Then you get in and you’re like, ‘Ouch.’ I’m very bad at pretending or faking things, I really do want to transport myself and sort of believe in whatever scenario I’m in.”
However, Barrymore stresses the experience wasn’t all bad. She said she was fortunate enough to meet the real heroes behind the 1988 rescue operation.
“We worked with people and families who have been in Alaska for generations, whose parents were involved in the rescuing of the whales… It was great,” the actress said.
Barrymore stars alongside Kristen Bell, Dermot Mulroney , John Krasinki and Ted Danson
Big Miracle opens in theaters February 3, 2012.
Barrymore recently got engaged to 34-year-old art consultant Will Kopelman. The lovely couple confirmed the news in January and released a public photo. This will be Barrymore’s third
marriage. The actress was previously married to Jeremy Thomas and comedian Tom Green.
Turn the page to see the photo.
Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman engagement announcement photo.