I'm definitely happy with the way my career has gone, the success; but I even feel glad that I've experienced some failure in my life. That gives you perspective and humility about this business; it's good to realize that you're always just one movie away from not being in Vogue anymore.

I believe ambition is not a dirty word. It's just believing in yourself and your abilities. Imagine this: What would happen if we were all brave enough to be a little bit more ambitious? I think the world would change.

I always say that it's very important not to blame one person. You have to own whatever part of it you're responsible for. It takes a lot of soul-searching. It's important to go through that, because hopefully you won't repeat yourself.

Movies will finally reflect the world we live in, not some weird dinosaur reality.

I mean, really: He called me 33 percent lesbian, which was a gross underestimation of my lesbian-ness.

But like Elle Woods, I do not like to be underestimated.

When you finally accept that you're a complete dork, your life gets easier. No sense in trying to be cool.