SUBMITTED BY Timbo

November 20, 2003 — Penelope Cruz, who has a supporting role in the upcoming movie "Gothika", talked to the press about her experience on the movie, and what it's like to be a star.

"I survived the media frenzy back then and I can survive it now. In fact, I feel much safer now because I've learned how to protect my private life.

"Fame is only really terrifying when you agree to share your private life with the media."

"The biggest connection I've ever had with another actress was with Halle, even though I only worked on the film for a couple of weeks," recalls Cruz. "Halle is very real and very affectionate."

The small but pivotal role in Gothika was written for Cruz by French filmmaker and actor Sebastian Gutierrez.

Cruz says she refused to play her character in Gothika as a madwoman.

"For me, she is never crazy. Not in any scene. She is filled with anger and pain because no one believes her.

"She warns Halle's character that the worst thing is to know the truth but not be believed, which, of course, is what happens to the psychiatrist when she wakes up in her own hospital as a patient."

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