I actually think the reason I am interested in certain parts is because I was such a dweeb in high school. When you are such a loser, it's a helpful way in to a lot of characters because even very powerful people are not all that powerful, really.

I think breathing is actually the key to a lot of opening up of other parts of yourself that you haven’t used, for any job, but particularly in acting.

I’ve been very fortunate to be able to jump around. I just did this really wonderful film called Map of the World. That was a real, amazing, dramatic story. Then I did a movie called Company Men, a little comedy about the Bay of Pigs.

I’m very happy with the opportunities I’ve had.

I’d rather have a small part in a movie I love than a bigger part in one I don’t care about.

Maybe you’re better to play a villain just straight out.

I’m no Ripley. I had doubts that I could play her as strongly as she had to be played, but I must say that it was fun exploring that side of myself. Women don’t get to do that very often.

With Alien, because we always use a different director, each one kind of stands on its own. So I guess it’s possible for them to make another one, but we have no plans.

Acting as a career is a long term thing and that work is kind of progressive and you can build on a career. It’s part of the great tradition of the theater to me.

It’s such a nice change to get to play a wretched, shallow, mergers-and-acquisitions woman. My true colors come out.