HM: The badass is always the romantic one in any movie or play. It’s of course the one that everybody knows. It’s an absolute sure-fire starter for a career is to play the baddest person in a film or play. You know, that person always gets all the attention. I think that was why I loved doing “Red,” actually. I got to play this contradictory character of sorts.

THC: Would you say that you’re feeling fulfilled at this stage in your life?

HM: I think life is constantly challenging, really. You never reach a point where you go, “That’s it.  I’m fulfilled. I’ve done it.” I suspect the whole point of life is that you’re constantly questioning and challenging it…and insecure about certain things. You know, incredible sense of achievement about other things, but the sense of achievement dissipates very fast, it seems…. And it’s time to challenge yourself or put yourself in a dangerous or challenging sort of situation, and maybe ultimately that’s the thing that is fulfilling…. It was sort of amazing to be surrounded by those hugely energetic, very, very bright, optimistic...people with their whole lives ahead of them yesterday. You know, that was very exciting. Exhausting and inspiring.

—Staff writer Haley A. Rue can be reached at rue@college.harvard.edu.