Rosie Perez plays prison inmate Ruth in Ridley Scott’s new star-studded crime thriller The Counselor, with Michael Fassbender, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. Perez was treated to a daily makeunder in order to portray the hardened convict, by Scott’s directorial order. “Not only did he not let me wear makeup, he also asked them to put makeup on to make me look worse,” Perez told Uinterview exclusively. “Once you get over it and remove yourself from it, it’s really cool because it really challenges you to lose your vanity and just sink into the role.”

Perez developed her character as a woman without concern for anything but her son’s well-being. “When you know people who are involved in crime, you understand what Ridley was asking of me — of just no fear,” said Perez. “You just don’t care except for your family.”

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Q: What was the best thing about working with such people as Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Ridley Scott, Javier Bardem, Cameron Diaz, and Penelope Cruz? - Ron Burgandy
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Q: What set was the most fun to be on in your career? - Ron Burgandy
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Q: I think you are a great actress with a distinct screen presence, and just wanted to know what kind of new roles you will be looking for as your career expands? - Ron Burgandy
User Uinterview
Q: What type of direction did Ridley Scott give you for playing the part of Ruth? - Uinterview

The direction that he gave me is basically that she is a tough woman, a woman who perceives herself as a boss and doesn't have any fear whatsoever but still has a heart.

User Uinterview
Q: You got to wear special effects makeup for the film. What was that experience like? - Uinterview

I'll say! What is there to say? I look beat-down, downtrodden, horrific even [laughs]. Not only did he not let me wear makeup, he also asked them to put makeup on to make me look worse. But it was great. It was great for the character because I'm a lifer in prison. The only thing that I objected to was could I at least have my hair nice? People in prison, they do their hair. And he's like, No, absolutely not. You just don't care. You're just that type of woman - you just don't care about anything except your son.; Once you get over it and remove yourself from it, it's really cool because it really challenges you to lose your vanity and just sink into the role.

User Uinterview
Q: Did you draw on any of your own experiences to play your character Ruth? - Uinterview

Well, kind of, that I knew [people like that] growing up, but nothing specifically outside of that. When you know people who are involved in crime, you understand what Ridley was asking of me of just no fear. You just don't care except for your family.

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Q: What was your most memorable moment on the set of 'The Counselor'? - Uinterview

I only worked with Michael Fassbender, although he came by to say hello to me which was a treat, and he's amazing in the film. But the treat for me was when Michael Fassbender came into the makeup and hair trailer to say hi to me. And the first thing he said, he goes, 'Mayweather fan?' I went, 'Yes!' And we took off from there because I had no idea he loved boxing.