I think we need great artists making great work - women, men, whoever. I think what's great about TV now is there are so many different platforms that you can make really specific, specialized content. I wouldn't have gotten this part because I'm not really considered a "traditional romantic lead," so I created it for myself.

To Craig's [ Brewer] credit, I felt totally safe on the set [of Black Snake Moan] . And because I felt safe, Sam[L.Jackson] had to protect me. He got upset at all the physical stuff Craig wanted me to do. When I start doing stuff like that, all the screaming and running, I kinda go out of my head. I'm not necessarily in my own body anymore.

For years, I hated myself. I covered the mirrors in my house. I literally couldn't have a mirror in my room.

I went through an awkward adolescence and had braces.

We live in a thinly veiled misogynistic society.

When you're doing something where you really like the material, it doesn't matter what medium it's in.

People are giving me more respect.