Reporter: What's different for you in Madeleine's character from the roles you've played before?

Kate: Well, Madeleine, I think was… You know, she was just a girl, she was just a lovely, normal, vulnerable, pure girl, a lower class woman, which is not something that I'm used to playing. And a challenge because of that, really. You know, it was a slightly different accent for me, a different attitude, a whole different role, and just really, really challenging, and really fun. She was very bubbly and sort of funny and silly. So, you know, I really enjoyed playing her.

Reporter: I think in the film she is the personification of open mind woman.

Kate: Yes, she was very open-minded and didn't judge people. She wasn't judgmental at all, which I think is precisely why her relationship with the Marquis de Sade was as strong as it was. Because everyone else was judging him and, you know, putting him in a cage and saying, 'well, he's a lunatic, don't go near him.' And, actually, she was able to get under his skin a little bit more and to see that he did have a brilliant mind. He was a funny man and he also had a soft side to him, as well. And she seemed to be the only person who could, you know, explain to him that whilst he was writing his disgusting novels - which at the same time, you know, she thought they were incredible - he shouldn't confuse that with real life. And sometimes he did let the two blend into one, and she was really the only person who challenged him on that. And he kind of admired her courage, I think, in being able to tell him that.

Reporter: Where is the point which merges Kate Winslet with Madeleine?

Kate: I don't think there is any point, really, at all. It's very difficult going to work every day and taking on board another characters' clothes, hair, their sensibilities, their passions, their emotions. You know, it's not easy for any actor to do, and it's always harder to go home at the end of the day and go, 'OK, so this is me,' and sort of take a deep breath, and remember who you are again. I did relate to Madeleine's kind of silly side and her sort of will to have fun, even though she was living in a lunatic asylum. You know, I'm very much like that. I sort of try and find excitement in a cardboard box wherever I am, and just, you know, making life fun and interesting, no matter what the circumstances might be. And I kind of really related to that in her. I'm quite like that, as well.

Reporter: How do you choose a role?

Kate: Well, the script always has to be right, you know, has to be a good, strong script. That's really the most important thing, I think. And then, obviously, the director and the other actors, you know, their involvement is always very important to me. And I just look for different roles each time, and I like to do things that aren't obvious and that people would be surprised to maybe see me do. 'Cause I like to sort of take risks and to, you know, shock people every now and then, if I can. And so it's that, really.

Reporter: What is the magic moment when you turn into a character that is not yourself?

Kate: The magic moment? To be honest with you, for me the magic moment is usually taking the corset off at the end of the day, so you can breathe again 'cause they're so tight. So, that's the magic moment for me.

Reporter: From all the characters you've played, what was the most challenging one?

Kate: The most challenging one, I think, probably was Ruth in Holy Smoke that I did with Jane Campion and Harvey Keitel. That was very challenging just 'cause she was so highly charged. And a very manipulative girl, but also a lovely, wonderful girl. And I knew it was important to make her a lovable character, as well as, you know, giving her the sort of dark edge that she has. So, that was the hardest role for me.

Reporter: Well, good luck to you.

Kate: Thank you very much.

Reporter: And we're looking forward to seeing you.

Kate: Thank you very much.