Naomi Watts was criticized for being ‘too intense’ at auditions

 

When she talks about her family and living a normal life, she says, “There is nothing that is going to stop me [living a normal life]. I won't allow that. Sometimes we may be suddenly surrounded by 10 or 15 photographers on the school run and they just won't get out of your face, but most of the time we're fine and can get through it. I don't want to be stuck in the house and send someone to fetch the children."

 

She adds that she manages to keep a balance between her work and family, saying, “You know, I want be able to do normal things. You can also add to the problem if you do the secretive thing, putting up the umbrellas and all that. It creates more allure that way. I think it's better to go out with messy hair. They might write that I look tired or old or something but they are going to pick on something regardless."

 

She also talks about dealing with criticism when she was younger, saying, “I got knockback after knockback at auditions. Just before 'Mulholland Dr.' my agent told me I was so intense I was freaking people out. She told me I was a brilliant actor but the feedback was that I made people feel uncomfortable because I was so nervous and intense. I just sat there and blubbed. My mum was staying in LA at the time and I went to her and said: 'I just can't do this. I'm not cut out for it.' She just said: 'Don't believe a word people say about you. Forget them.'"