Romola Garai gives me a rise in my loins whenever I think of her which seems to be a lot lately. She's talented, gorgeous and one of the hottest new things on the English film scene which explains why she's the star of two movies showing at cinemas right now; Amazing Grace and Angel. She agreed to a phone interview but I like to think of it as a preliminary date.

On Her Films

What is Angel about?

It's a satire on the life of a woman who is a romantic novelist at the turn of the 20th century. She's trying to rise up through the social ranks. It pokes fun at her for living her life as if it were a romantic novel.

Do you have a thing for period pieces?

It's not a conscious choice. The characters I play are all different and the films are from lots of different eras. Period drama isn't a genre in itself. Amazing Grace is a political drama, Angel is a surreal melodrama and things like Daniel Deronda is a devoted adaptation of a book.

On Her Good Looks

You have a captivating look...
Not at the moment but thanks, ha ha.

What happened?
I was up late rehearsing. It's lucky this is over the phone. Sorry to disenchant you.

I'm sure you still look amazing... So how would you describe your look?
I like to think I'm fairy versatile in terms of how I'm played and dressed. I had a black wig in Angel, red hair in Amazing Grace; I've had short hair, long hair, blonde...

What's your natural colour?
Dark mousy brown.

That's funny, I thought you were a flaming red head.
Ha, no, nothing as exciting as that.

On Superstardom

Do you feel like you're on the edge of Superstardom?
Mmm, No. I do what I enjoy with as much anonymity as I can while promoting it enough to show my commitment to it.

Have you had any run-ins with the British Press?
Not really. I try to keep my head below the parapet. I've been lucky to get jobs that haven't changed the way I live. I live in London close to my friends and family. I tread the boards and meet people but manage to retain normality.

On Alternative Jobs

I hear you're well studied. What would you be doing if you hadn't made it in the acting world?
Some kind of writing probably. And I love food.

So do I!
Wow, so many people have that in common...

Would you be a chef?
No, it would be something more to do with eating, like a food critic.

What's your favourite?
Some fantastic Thai food.
I'll keep that in mind.

On Sam Neill

Did you enjoy working with Sam Neill on Angel?
It was great. I've worked with him a few times already. He's a wonderful actor and he's funny and clever. He made me laugh a lot and he was happy to sit and talk about food.

Romola Garai is currently performing in New Zealand with the Royal Shakespeare Company in King Lear and the Seagull.