MELANIE LYNSKEY

To take a job just so I can go on a fancy vacation doesn't really seem worth it.

There's not much of a follow-your-dreams kind of vibe in New Zealand or my family.

I guess I have a strong constitution.

I've definitely had times in my life where I've been depressed and not able to do anything at all.

I really like 'Girls.' I know everybody does, but I love 'Girls.'

I was a kid who didn't have a lot of self-esteem.

New Zealanders can be a little hostile.

I like to play the grey areas in life - that's the most uncomfortable place to be. Nobody likes to be in that in-between state where there don't know what's going to happen. There's a lot of tension in that, and a lot of stuff to play with - where it's uncomfortable and awkward and sad and scary.

I used to write stories and poetry, but for some reason I have it in my head that if I'm going to write, I have to write a script.

I love festivals because I feel like I'm more of a movie fan than a person who's in the film industry.

I've done a gazillion readings that have gone on to be movies that are made without me.

I feel like I'm kind of faking something if I'm talking as myself and putting on an accent.

For a while, I was only being sent fat-girl parts. Seriously? Sometimes I feel like I'm making some kind of radical statement because I'm a size 6.

If I could be working every day, I would be.

People in New Zealand go out of their way to not be impressed by things.

Usually when I am in a movie that is about to come out, if people don't love it, that is fine - I can handle it.

I don't know, I love it when I see movies with people who are not super familiar to me or people who I've seen in smaller parts who are suddenly getting a chance to do something bigger. For me that's very exciting.

I read every single review, because I love film criticism and I'm interested.

I think that for me as a person, it's very easy for me to hear, 'It's too difficult.' Or, 'You're not easy to cast.' And, 'You're not beautiful,' and this and that.

I'll audition for something and then the feedback has been, 'The director wants you, the creative people want you, but the studio is saying no.' It's depressing, but I understand. People are investing a lot of money and they want somewhat of a guarantee; they want someone who's been on the cover of magazines.

The acting life is different than I thought it would be. I love it - it's actually a lot less pressure than I thought it would be.

I feel like a character actress - it's where I'm comfortable.

I was a very independent teenager.

I know a lot of actors have all these expectations and believe that one thing should lead to another thing, and that's probably the right way to build a career. I don't know what's wrong with me - I just don't think like that!

I feel weird when I go to the movies and everybody's faces are perfect.