HOLLYWOOD — "The politest thing I can say is, 'It's about bleeping time!' " says Drew Barrymore with a giggle reminiscent of Gertie, the "E.T." role that made her famous back in 1982.
The actress, recently turned director, is talking about the 2010 Oscar win for best director by Kathryn Bigelow, the first time a woman has won that accolade. Barrymore's directorial debut is "Whip It," starring Ellen Page ("Juno") as a young Texan named Bliss who escapes her boring background and finds herself via the rough sport of roller derby.
Barrymore, granddaughter of stage and screen legend John Barrymore (who died of alcoholism in 1942, aged 60), points out that an actress who decides to direct can have a tougher time of it when it comes to being prepared enough and confident enough that her cast and crew have confidence in her.