Q: So You two sat down and worked it out beforehand?

JA: Yeah, it terms of the technicalities.

Q: But then LaRoche (Vincent Cassel) comes in and then no acting required.

JA: [Laughing] Yeah, you're actually terrified. It wasn't that hard.

Q: Without revealing the plot, your character's has a special experience with LaRoche?

JA: Have you met him? I truthfully thought Lucinda was at a place where she actually thought she was stuck in a bad situation and felt a lot of Charles [Owen] and possibly saw a window as a way out, possibly a new life or what that would be like. You know how some destructive relationships keep you trapped. I don't know if that answered anything for you.

Q: Could you put away your character when the director yelled "Cut" after the rape scene?

JA: It wasn't difficult at all because it was so well choreographed. It was very controlled and I was in such good hands with Vincent. He's a pro. He has such control of his body. It's important as an actor not to be reckless, especially in a scene like that. I felt so safe. They'd say "rolling" and we'd be there and then they'd say "cut," and we were out of there. It's the physicality, but it isn't that graphic. It's very quick and very jarring. Then again, it put Vincent and his menacing [quality] on a roll.

Q: How was it working with Xzbit [who plays LaRoche's equally menacing sidekick]?

JA: As menacing and intense as he is, that's how sweet and kind he was. During the one scene where he was holding a large gun to my head, he was very concerned for my safety. He was worried about my safety and if I was okay. He's really wonderful.

Q: Do you think your part in "Derailed"--as a corrupted woman--will debunk the label of America's Sweetheart that you've been addled with?

JA: Well, God I hope so! Being "America's Sweetheart"... that label gets put on a lot of people. I don't pay much attention to that. I'm not trying to shake anything. I'm just following my instincts and doing work that is coming to me and I'm grateful for it.

Q: What did you do while you were shooting in Chicago and were you recognized there?

JA: Let me tell you every specific place I like to hang out so you can all come there [laughs]! I absolutely loved it. I loved filming there. The people are so kind and respectful; they'll leave you alone and let you do your job. It has a lot of wonderful culture and great museums and great restaurants. The lake is beautiful and there's a lot to do. The oddest place I was recognized would probably be the steam room [in the hotel].

Q: And how do you feel about the way the tabloids have covered your story?

JA: I don't look at that stuff. I just don't pay attention to it.

Q: And what's your favorite film of all time?

JA: "Terms of Endearment" for its casting, the story and just everything about it