Newsweek Magazine

She charmed us in “Muriel’s Wedding,” scared us in “The Sixth Sense”-and is about to make us cry in the tear-jerker “In Her Shoes.” She spoke with a fellow Aussie, NEWSWEEK’s Nicki Gostin.

Hi, Toni Collette. How are you?
A little bleary. I just came back from Japan.

So the No. 1 question you’re being asked about this movie is-
What is it with women and shoes? I love that you’re not asking that.

I will later. I was going to ask you about putting on all that weight.
Oh, right. I previously said I wouldn’t put on weight for a role again, but I think I would have done anything for this movie. And I think the weight is so pertinent to how the character sees herself.

How much weight are we talking about?
Twenty-eight pounds. Not as much as “Muriel’s Wedding.” I put on 45 for that.

So, back to shoes. Do you have any Manolos?
I have a vintage pair.

That’s a bit classy.
You think secondhand shoes are classy?

Why do Australian actors do so well in the States?
Maybe there’s some kind of honesty, a frank quality, which is innately Australian.

Who’s a more famous Australian actor – you or Russell Crowe?
I hope Russell Crowe.

That was a trick question! Russell Crowe’s from New Zealand.
Darling, I told you-I’m half asleep.

What were you doing in Japan?
I just went to the sumo-wrestling championship. I was screaming and yelling and drinking Japanese beer.

Did you feel like a stupid Aussie?
No, I didn’t feel like a stupid Aussie.

I’m only teasing, luv.
I’m laughing. On the inside.