Were you concerned at the prospect of doing another romantic comedy?
At first I did say that I couldn't do another one but the director, James Mangold, sold the film to me. He said this one was different, it wasn't quite a romantic comedy, it was more of an urban fairy tale. He really persuaded me to do it and he proved to be a really great actor's director. They're very hard to come by.
Did the theme of the film make you think about the difference between that time and this?
I don't think we realise just how fast we go until you stop for a minute and realise just how loud and how hectic your life is, and how easily distracted you can get.
Was the notion of falling in love with a man who has 19th century manners especially appealing?
It's extremely romantic and yet women so rarely encounter it these days. I think Americans tend to think of chivalrous behaviour as being somewhat wimpy, but Hugh Jackman made it look very strong and masculine.
Did you consider what it was you liked best about the 21st century and which period of history you might like the chance to go back to if you could?
The best thing about modern living is anaesthesia. Definitely. And, I always wanted to be in 1920s Paris or Ancient Greece.
Are you satisfied generally by the range and diversity of roles you get offered these days?
Clearly romantic comedy is my franchise genre, I don't mind saying that, it's true. I love doing them and hopefully always will do them. I don't feel particularly typecast because I think I do so many different kinds of things. Whether they're seen or not is another issue.
