Match Point was a departure from The Island -- I thought you were going to go action on us. Was it a conscious decision to go back to the character art films?
Well, I actually made Match Point before I did The Island, and then I did a Brian De Palma film and then did another Woody Allen movie. Now I will be doing the Nanny Diaries, which is a big, more commercial film and then Borgia which is Neil Jordan, not a commercial film. I don't know if that is something I think about when I am choosing a role. I was thinking, "Is this something I am going to enjoy doing? Is this a movie I would pay ten dollars to see?"
So, being the sole American among a British cast and the discussion of international tensions in the movie itself, is that something that came up on set?
No, no, I have family from all over the place. My dad is Danish, my step-father is French, my aunt and all of her family all live in London. So, that's never been something that's been a concern for me. I have worked with actors from all over the world and it is nice to meet people who have led different lives than you have. It is nice to work with people who have gone to different theater institutes and have worked on different European productions. I think it is what makes my job so interesting.
You have done another Woody Allen movie, which is entitled Scoop. Could you talk about any relationship you have developed with Mr. Allen and how it has affected your filmmaking together?
Woody and I have a very playful relationship. We have a lot in common, we are both from New York, we both have a very dry sense of humor and we became really friendly while shooting Match Point, just kind of bothering each other off-screen and basically, I said I would love to act with you again and he said I would love to do something with you and he wrote this comedy for us.
You have now worked on two Woody Allen films, were you a fan of his before you did these movies, and what is your favorite Allen film and why?
Yes, I have been watching Woody's films since I was 10 years old. One of my favorite films of Woody's is Husbands and Wives. It is a very sad film and funny. But I think his insights into human neurosis and emotion is what makes Woody such an incredible writer. That film particularly for me is a favorite, also because the actors are just so fantastic, and I always hoped that if I made a Woody Allen film it would be similar.
Jonathan Rhys-Meyers [who plays Chris Wilton] seems like a very intense actor. What was it like working with him?
I think the great thing about Jonathan is that he was working every day, and during the film he maintained an ease about the project, and he was never painfully serious about the work that he was doing and never untouchable. We spent a lot of time off-set meeting for drinks or dinner, he is just very sociable. Oftentimes I felt like I was talking to one of my girlfriends because he loves trash talking.
Did you pick up any good gossip on the set?
Yes, but I'm like a sponge; I soak it up and never let go.
What did you mean when you once said that being three minutes older than your twin brother was the most important three minutes of you life?
I think you have to be a twin to understand, but it kind of shaped who I am to be the older sibling.
So, in life do you believe we are in control of our destiny or is it pure luck? [This question references the major theme of the film.]
I don't know. It is difficult for me to say because I certainly feel like a damn lucky person. I am able to live off a job that I am crazy about, passionate about, something I have always wanted to do. But at the same time I remember myself as a little girl singing and dancing and imaging that this was somehow my destiny. You make these conscious decisions to take the road less traveled and then your big decision is going to change the outcome of your life. It's scary to think that it all comes down to luck really.
Match Point is currently playing in theaters in Philadelphia. It will be widely released in theaters across the US tomorrow.
