Roberts recently spoke to reporters about the power of teachers (and making do without them), balancing career and marriage, and her early days listening to .38 Special.
So, first off: IsMona Lisa Smilea ‘chick flick’?
We just made a movie.
The film is set in the 1950s. What did you do to prepare for the time warp?
Your character has a huge influence on her students. Did you have any acting teachers that inspired you when you were younger?
No, but we didn’t have a theater department or drama or anything where I went to school. I look at it as a positive – that no one did take that much interest in me. To be ignored can shape just as well as to be lauded, I suppose.
So, who ignored you?
Well, I’m not saying that I was ignored per se, but I’m saying that I didn’t have someone who necessarily saw some untapped potential in me and made me feel as though I had some bright future ahead.
How was working with Julia Stiles?
I think that she’s remarkable. I think that she’s a poised, bright, interesting girl. She’s one of my favorite actors to watch in movies, and when we were first developing ideas for cast, she was the very first person that I wanted to have be in this movie. She’s just really professional. I also find her to be this wonderfully, timelessly breathtaking girl.
What advice would you give to other young actresses?
I would just say to really enjoy what you do – and do it because you enjoy it, because that’s what sustains you over time.
Is it tough to balance both a busy career and a strong marriage?
It’s not. I mean, there’s relatively, in my experience, a real ease to it – in part because I’ve been able to have a lot of great career opportunities … the kind of tension or focus that I give to my career can be very sporadic, and of my choosing. So, I’m really fortunate in that way. I can really devote myself to my family and there isn’t a conflict and doesn’t make me feel torn.
What kind of music do you listen to these days? Is it different from when you were younger?
I think that I listen to a lot more eclectic music now. I had strange tastes in music as a young person because I had a brother who was 11 years older than I was. So I was sort of introduced to southern rock ‘n’ roll at a young age and listened to .38 Special – but I also had Beatles records and a Julie Andrews record. So, it was a very confusing time for me. (Laughs.)
source: people.com
