Alice Braga: The Mr. Skin Interview

Tell us about Lower City.
Lower City is a love story about three different people who find a common place in their passion. It's very beautiful.

You're from a very famous acting family in Brazil. Does this mean that performing is in your blood?
Well, I grew up in a very artistic environment. My mom is an actress, my dad is a director, my sister is a producer, my aunt is an actress--and on and on. So acting came very naturally to me.

My first job ever was in a commercial. A friend of my mom's recommended me because I was spontaneous, very animated, I loved to talk, I had fun on camera. So it was a natural progression in my life.

Even my sister, who went to Australia to study international relations, is now in show business. She told me that she was taking a cinema course and I knew what was going to happen! And now she's a producer.

Your breakthrough film was the acclaimed international sensation City of God. Tell us about that experience.
It was amazing. That was my first film and even before we started, I knew that we were going to be working on something very special. The director, Fernando Meirelles, was extremely passionate. And what a talent!

When City of God came out, I was surprised at how the whole world embraced it. I knew it was a great film, but I wasn't expecting the huge response at all!

In the past, when you said Brazil, people would think "football" or "carnivale," but nowadays they think City of God.

The movie was a great benefit to me because it opened so many doors. I got an agent; I've been able to travel and such. But more importantly, City of God was a huge boost for Brazilian cinema.

There seemed to be an explosion of Brazilian movies in the 1980s and now it's been reawakened.
Yes! In the 1990s we had a horrible president who robbed the country blind. For years we had close to zero films in production and release. In a way I am glad, because now we are able to come back so strong!

Lower City is a very sexy film, and you are the sexiest thing in it. What are your thoughts on eroticism in cinema?
I feel that if it is true, if there is a reason for the eroticism, if it is non gratuitous, then it is beautiful.

For me, sensuality is all about the eyes and making connections. You don't even have to show skin.

But we're sure glad you did in Lower City!
When I read the script for Lower City, I simply fell in love with my character, Karinna. I knew that to take this role, I would need to expose myself without fear. This was the kind of role that I was happy to open my heart for.

For all the characters in Lower City, the sensuality and passion is very true. These are real people. This is how they live. It is beautiful.

Now when eroticism is gratuitous and simply there because it's Latin or whatever--then it doesn't appeal to me. I'm not interested.

What are some of your favorite sexy movies?
9 1/2 Weeks! (Picture: 1 - 2) That is powerful! And 9 Songs (Picture: 1 - 2)--what a beautiful film!

Must be something abut the number nine!
Ha! Yes! Look for the number nine if you want to see something hot. It's a code!

What contemporary star expresses her sensuality in a way that appeals to you?
Rachel Weisz (Picture: 1 - 2). She looks like a cute girl, but she has a real mystique. I love that. She's also one of my favorite actresses. I saw her in the street once and I almost couldn't move!

What's next for you, Alice?
I've been working on a Mexican-Brazilian co-production, and watch for my movie Journey to the End of the Night. It's coming out soon!

We wouldn't dare miss it. Or you!
Thanks!