By: Debra Wallace

Sandra Bullock does not shy away from difficult topics.

This is why she wholeheartedly embraced the issues of grief, loss and love in her stunning portrayal of a widow and mother in the Warner Bros. Drama Extremely Loud and Dangerously Close.

During a bitter cold winter day in Manhattan, the Oscar-winning actress sat down to talk about family coming first, being content, and finding the heart in her work. During her recent visit to New York, she and Louis were seen bundled up in the chilly weather and enjoying the sights of the city and the joys of the Christmas holidays.

Always a stunner and extremely fit after running after her toddler son all day long, Bullock, 47, wore snug black stretch pants, a gray silky top with only one sleeve and brocade decor and walked tall on stacked beige leather high heels. Her dark hair was worn long.

When she spoke lovingly of her two-year-old son, Louis, her smile was wider than wide. She says that becoming a mother changes everything. It was certainly true for her when she adopted her son, Louis, who has given her a more maternal passion for life.

Her new Warner Bros, movie, Extremely Loud and Dangerously Close, is about an extremely grief-stricken young boy Oskar Schell, played by Thomas Horn, who searches New York City for the lock that matches a key left behind by his father [Tom Hanks], who died in the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. His mother [Sandra Bullock], tries desperately to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives while dealing with her own insurmountable tragedy.

Extremely Loud and Dangerously Close definitely touches the heart and explores the depth of loss and being able to move on despite insurmountable odds.

Q: You've talked about not being able to go back to work at some point because of things that were [going on] in your own life after September 11th. Were you maybe thinking of leaving acting altogether- and letting that part of your life go?

Sandra Bullock: I wasn't thinking about any of that -- I was just so happy being a mom.

Q: Bringing your son, Louis, into your life really changed everything for you?

SB: Yes, and I'm still very happy being a mom. That just shifted, and became my full priority. And I was so good there, and still am very good there.

Q: So what comes into play when you accept a film role now?

SB: Whatever the next opportunity I am given; has to be an amazing opportunity for myself and my son. So we are having a great time. It was no longer 'selfish actress' having a moment. I want to have an amazing time with him and myself. In every possibly way, it is the best.

Q: What else does having a child bring to you life?

SB: So much. It's a second chance at childhood, and a chance to look at life through my child's eyes. You have to see and do so much that you otherwise would have taken for granted or just missed so you can make memories together -- it's really a whole different time when you do it for your kids.

Q: In the future do you want more kids in your family?

SB: I don't know. I can't imagine loving anyone, as much as I love him.

Q: Did you enjoy your time in New York with him recently?

SB: I loved sharing the city with him during holiday time. It was very special for us.

Q: What's it like being a mother in a movie, now that you are a mother?

SB: You pray that you feel maternal to whatever child you're working with.

Q: This is not your first time playing a mom -- you certainly nailed it in Blind Side.

SB: Yes, I've played moms before, but they'd always been in a lighter context. Something that was very sparkly. And in the past she's the perfect mom. And everything's okay. And there's conflict. But not the depth like this.

Q: How is that different?

SB: As an actor, and as someone who needed to love him in that way, and be frustrated by him, it was so easy. And it helped me do my job. And it helped me be frustrated, and angry and hurt. And I just loved building a relationship and character with Thomas. And I said, 'wow, I'm doing this with someone who's not even a teenager yet.'

Q: What do you mean?

SB: Just his depth and his level, and his commitment, was just exciting. I loved this experience with him. And it truly made me a better actor, playing opposite him.

Q: I have been told you are truly a lucky person if you are surrounded by loved ones -- do you agree?

SB: I do. People who love me and support me are major --my sister, father and good friends. I make time for them, too, that is important.

Q: Has being part of this movie brought you closure about 9/11, or is there just no closure for you about that?

SB: Yes, my movie [with Hugh Grant] Two Week's Notice, we came here right after 9/11, and it was brilliant, brilliant. And I'm so glad we did.

Q: Weren't you nearby when the Twin Towers fell?

SB: I had a full view of both towers.

Q: That must have impacted you both personally and for the movie.

SB: Yes. I was there and saw it. I saw the second plane. I saw people. I saw people helping people. And that to me is what resonates about the City of New York, is that I saw within a second, the entire city come together, and helped each other. So in a good way, I hope it doesn't ever leave - that vibrancy of what happened doesn't ever leave me. Because it made me aware of so many things that I wasn't aware of before.

So there is no closure. But in a good way. But as long as everyone can talk about it and grieve, I think that's what this is. The allowance to talk about the events that have happened in your life, that you should be able to grieve.

Q: The movie is a love letter to New York. What are your favorite things about New York?

SB: My father was a voice teacher here. We would go back and forth to DC. And my mother sang opera here. So we were always on the trains, coming to New York. But my first memory, is when my mom took me to see All That Jazz on Broadway.

And at that moment, I knew I wanted to be a dancer. Did I become a dancer? No. I'm a big girl! But it was one of my greatest passions, when I saw All That Jazz. And when I saw the live performances. Because all I had seen was opera. So, we've always been here, in a tiny little studio apartment, with the kitchen in the closet. You know, you slept on floors, and pulled out beds. And couches.

Q: What do you hope for your future?

SB: I want everyone that I love to be in good health. Have all my dreams come true? No. But I have what makes me the happiest and that's what I believe is most important.

Extremely Loud and Dangerously Close Opens Friday, Jan. 20