When I'm pushing myself, testing myself, that's when I'm happiest. That's when the rewards are greatest.

My parents were devoted. Civic minded. We had family counsels. Three of us children against two of them. We lived a 'Leave It to Beaver' time.

If I hadn’t left Texas, I might not have met the director Terrence Malick, and I wouldn’t have met my husband and I wouldn’t have had the children that I’ve had. Life is interesting like that.

A great screenplay is the most powerful bait in Hollywood.

You relate to a character and you find that character within yourself. It's all parts of me. I don't leave characters behind. I just let them go.

I didn't worry about leaving the fast lane - I was just so consumed with my baby that it seemed like the right thing to do. I never felt like I left New York, though. If you've lived in a place and loved it, you never feel like you left it.

Fame sweeps you away. I had to go home every six months to remember who I am.