Acting and singing legend Barbra Streisand makes few appearances on-screen these days, but the Funny Girl star broke out of retirement for a project close to her heart.
The Guilt Trip, out now on DVD, follows a mother’s relationship with her grown-up son (played by comedian Seth Rogen) as they travel across the US selling his new invention.
The comedy reminded Barbra (71) of her own relationship with her only son Jason Gould (46), from her first marriage to actor Elliott Gould. Working in stage and theatre while Jason was young, Barbra always felt a sense of guilt as her work dragged her away from home, but the pair’s connection has changed over time.
What was it that convinced you to do this movie?
Mothers develop guilt trips.I was working a lot, so Iknow that feeling. You try to compensate… [and you say to them] everything they do is great. Children sense that guilt.
How much of the character is really a part of you?
Oh, a little bit. You always try and identify with the character and look for similarities. I am definitely a mother that likes to look after her son. But isn’t that how all mothers are?
Is it true you made it hard for them to hire you?
Yes, I wanted an out. I told them that I really don’t want to schlep to Paramount, so I asked if they could build a set in a rented warehouse in the valley, not more than 45 minutes away from my house – and they said yes. Then I told them they could not pick me up until 8.30 in the morning [because] I like to stay up at night, sometimes until 2 or 3am. And they agreed to that as well. I had run out of excuses, so I had to do it. Also, I asked Anne [director Anne Fletcher] if she would make the movie withoutme and she said no. That was another guilt trip they put on me.
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