JESSICA ALBA - ALBA RESEARCHES BLIND ROLE

JESSICA ALBA has been learning how to live as a blind person to prepare for her role as a sightless violinist in the new film THE EYE. The 25-year-old has reportedly signed a $4 million (GBP2 million) deal to star in the movie, which is being made for TOM CRUISE's production company. She explains, "I've been training. I wear a sleep mask and carry a cane to get around with. "I've also been practicing the violin - it's hard! It took me three months to figure it out!" In the film, Alba will play ALLISON - a woman who received an eye transplant that allows her to see into the supernatural world. The movie, which is a remake of cult Hong Kong film JIAN GUI, is scheduled to begin filming this month (FEB07) in Albuquerque, New Mexico.