by Jeanne Wolf

Sandra Bullock's career has taken as many twists and turns as that booby-trapped, out-of-control bus she first drove to stardom in Speed.

She's had big hits, such as A Time to Kill and The Net, and even bigger flops, such as In Love and War and Speed 2: Cruise Control.

But in the past year, she's steered a straighter course, finding success at the box office with Hope Floats, a tearjerker about a single mom, and bewitching audiences with Nicole Kidman in Practical Magic.

Now, the 34-year-old, Virginia-born actress wants to continue her winning ways with Forces of Nature, a romantic comedy costarring Matt Damon's pal Ben Affleck. Bullock plays Sarah, a sexy free spirit who dramatically changes the life of a buttoned-down New Yorker en route to his wedding.

Bullock herself has never gotten near the altar. Not that there haven't been suitors. She had a four-year romance with Love Potion No. 9 costar Tate Donovan. And then there's her "friendship" with A Time to Kill costar Matthew McConaughey...

In case you haven't figured it out, Bullock fiercely guards her independence. She may be an all-American beauty with girl-next-door qualities, but there's a wild streak running deep in her veins. Here's hoping she remains untamed.

the interview