We haven't heard much from Anne Hathaway lately, and no wonder—she's been too busy working herself into peak physical condition in preparation for her role as Catwoman in the next "Batman" film. But she did take time out from her crazy schedule of stunt work, training and dance class to meet up with Harper's Bazaar. Looking glam and sophisticated as ever (not to mention seriously in shape), she's this month's cover girl and interview subject, happily offering up a few insights into how she went from family-friendly star to serious actor at the top of Hollywood's A-list.
"I think people assumed that I was a girl searching for a happily-ever-after, when for me that's the least interesting part of the story," she explained of the roles that followed her breakout performance in "The Princess Diaries." Instead of keeping things light, she delved into more emotionally wrought territory—specifically, the challenging part of a repressed Southern wife in "Brokeback Mountain." She credits the role with giving her a chance to spread her wings and become more confident as an actress.
"I was just this lost, timid person," she said of her mindset at the time.
Clearly, that description no longer applies; over the past few years, we've watched Anne score an Oscar nomination, bare all in "Love and Other Drugs" and—of course—take a turn hosting the Academy Awards herself. Her performance wasn't wholly well-received (and James Franco famously compared her to a Tasmanian devil after the fact—classy), but Anne said they've worked it out.
"I let James know that a whirling dervish is a more flattering comparison than a Tasmanian devil," she said.
And unlike "lost and timid," that's a description that still applies to the actress. She's been working non-stop to prepare for the new "Batman" movie, as well as taking on a challenging role in the film "One Day," which comes out this summer. And as for the Oscars, she said she looks back on it with no regrets... just like everything else.
"I got to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I met great people, wore beautiful clothes. And I got to put on a show. I don't see a downside."
Does Anne's sunny outlook inspire you? Tell us in the comments!
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