Q:While you were in Sydney, you and Taylor Lautner spent 45 minutes on the black carpet at Luna Park signing autographs. Do you usually go to such lengths for fans?

A:It totally varies. (In Sydney), everybody was really nice and it didn't get too crazy. When there's not a threat -- I know that sounds really crazy and dramatic, but sometimes when there are so many people it can get dangerous or whatever -- but in this case, everybody was being so cool, there was no reason to leave.

Q:Your mother is Australian, and you once said that you would like to go to university in Australia. Is that still an option?

A:That was when I was younger and much more ambitious than I am now. I got so obsessed with making movies, which everybody told me I would when I said I wanted to go to school, and they were right. I don't want to say never but at this point I probably won't go back to school.Q:A lot of primary-school libraries in Australia have banned Twilight because they feel the subject matter is inappropriate for their students. Do you agree with them?

A:I mean, I'm not a parent. I'm so not in a position to deem what is appropriate for young people. But I'm always curious what little kids get from reading the books, because for me what I really love about (Twilight) is that it is such raw, unthought-out desire. I can relate to that. I read it when I was like 17. But at the same time, lots of girls grew up planning their weddings. I wasn't that kind of girl. So at 12, I probably wouldn't have been a Twilight fan. The thing about it is that it's very suggestive. You take from it what you will. It's not overtly sexual.

Q:What books were you a fan of at 12?

A:I read the Harry Potter books around that time. And Sherlock Holmes. What the f--- did I read? I liked fantastic stories.

Q:What about now? You must get plenty of time to read on planes.

A:I'm reading some Henry Miller. My favourite book is (John Steinbeck's) East of Eden. My first favourite book was On the Road and I'm doing that (as my next film). It's blowing my mind.

Q:Is it true you then intend to play a transsexual with autism in a film called K-11? Are you trying to outdo Hilary Swank?

A:I really hope that happens. My mum wrote a really incredible script. But right now, especially, it's hard to get independent movies made that are different. I started talking about it too early because I thought it was going to go and then it didn't.

Q:A lot of the criticism about Twilight has focused on how passive Bella is. Many believe she is not a great role model for young women. You know her better than anybody. What do you think?

A:It's a really common opinion. But I think she is really brave. It takes someone who is so courageous, someone with so much trust in themselves, to be able to give up the power and give themselves to something.

Q:So as a young woman are you comfortable with her choices? You don't agree with the line that she is a literary throwback?

A:No. I mean, she has different values. She is genuinely in love with (Edward) and that's what she wants. I never had a problem with that. And if there was going to be anyone with qualms about somebody being passive . . .

Q:Should we take it from what you have just said that you would classify yourself as a feminist?

A:I definitely want to stand up for our gender.

Q:Speaking of gender agendas, Taylor Lautner had an easier time with the press in Sydney than you did -- flipping the bird to the paparazzi. Do you think the boys get off more lightly than you do?

A:I've thought about it. There's no way of knowing. I mean, it's not all girls that get ``it'', either. And I'm not even sure exactly what the ``it'' we are talking about is.

Q:Well, you cop a lot of flak.

A:Yeah. I don't know what it is. I try to be as honest as I can. I've never said anything bad about anyone. Maybe it's because everybody who's in my position really puts on a face and really plays a different part and I'm a little bit more true to how I feel.

Q:The negative attention must be bruising.

A:It just is what it is. People say, ``Why don't you just play a part, choose a public persona?'' but I'm not that good a liar. I would hate myself more if I did that. If people have a problem, that's fine. I'm glad I don't have the problem with myself.

Q:You play '70s rocker Joan Jett in The Runaways. There are parallels between the treatment she got early in her career and your own relationship with the media.

A:It did feel good to play Joan. And it felt really good to get to know her. She was like, ``Don't stop doing what you're doing, because by the time you get to my age you will really hate yourself''. She is who she is now but it was really hard for her to get there. Back in the day, horrible things were thrown at her just because she played electric guitar and other girls hadn't done it yet. So it's cool, since I take s--- for that as well, to be able to introduce my generation to Joan. It's really an honour.