Susan L. Hornik

Q. In “The Holiday,” you play Iris, a woman who can’t seem to pry herself away from a guy who left her for another woman. Why do you think people hold a torch for someone or stay in relationships they know they shouldn’t?

A: The heart is an uncontrollable vessel, don’t you think? I know so many people who have fallen for the wrong man and have so obviously been in love with the wrong person. Unfortunately, having your heart broken is a part of life—I don’t know a single person who hasn’t had their heart broken at one time or another, sometimes more than once.

Q: While your co-star, Cameron Diaz’s character gets angry enough to punch her ex out for cheating, yours gets sad and emotional. Which character are you more like when it comes to heartbreak?

A: Probably a combination of both! I’ve always been quite emotional but at the same time, when something like this happens, you have to find a way to move on. And that’s what I would do when I was younger and dealt with that situation–cry a lot, complain to my friends, dust myself off and continue with life.

Q. You were just in the movie Little Children, which also deals with infidelity. Why is this such a popular subject?

A: I think that relationships will always be eternally fascinating to both men and women. What is interesting about The Holiday, having now seen it twice, is that it’s about men and women, and their struggle with their emotions and heartbreak. We are all doing that at some point in our lives, looking for that special person. It can be very, very hard to find, and the struggle that you go through emotionally in trying to find that person will always be fascinating to audiences.

Q. You had amazing chemistry with Jack Black.

A: I was thrilled when Jack was cast. When I read the script, I couldn’t see anyone else play Miles. He was so obviously perfect. He’s a wonderful person. Of course he is funny and made me laugh every minute of every day. But he’s a very grounded person. I think I was quite surprised by that.

Q. That was a very romantic British cottage you were in!

A: That cottage was fantastic. I promise you it exists!

Contributing entertainment editor Susan L. Hornik.