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Coppola, best known as Francis Ford Coppola's daughter and for her lackluster performance in "The Godfather Part III," was attracted to Eugenides' novel for its classical feel, the way the author placed the story squarely in the 1970s but made it seem almost timeless. But from the earliest pairing of Coppola and the movie, which played here at Sundance and will open in April, the cheap shots and personal attacks against the director have been unusually vicious, even by Hollywood standards. Those closest to Coppola, however, have helped deflate the criticism. Woods -- an actor notorious for not getting along with his directors -- has been calling Coppola one of the top five talents he's ever worked with. "She's like all good writer-directors," Woods said at a Sundance dinner celebrating the film. "Like Oliver Stone."

Coppola arrived for our interview flashing a killer white smile and a flawless diamond engagement ring. Nervous and press-shy, she came off like a slightly over-privileged, arty girl next door -- not unlike the untouchable young women in her picture.

James Woods told me that you were one of the top five directors he's ever worked with.

I've heard him say that. I'm not agreeing, but he's very encouraging.

How does it feel to be ranked with Oliver Stone, Harold Becker, Sergio Leone and Martin Scorsese?

It's pretty nice. Very nice of him. Whenever I feel down, I go and talk to Jimmy. I'm so insecure. I'm excited that he is so supportive of the movie. It's nice when you're a first-time director and you have someone like that, you know?

With "Virgin Suicides," have you finally found your métier?

Directing? Yeah, I think so. I spent most of my 20s worrying, "Oh no. I don't know what I want to do" and "I'll try this and try that." It's really huge to find something that you really enjoy, something that you can really contribute something to. And I really love doing it, and I feel like it's something that combines so many other things that I love.

Things like?

Things like photography and music and design. You get to do all of them.

How old are you now?

28.

Your marriage [to director/actor Spike Jonze] came along with your career breakthrough. Are you happy? Is it all good?

Yeah, it's been an exciting year, and I'm glad that my husband has been successful with his film ["Being John Malkovich"]. We both shot at the same time, but you know, it's been exciting to have been a part of that. And now to have our premiere after working so long on this movie, to finally get to show it to people -- that's exciting.

How did you come to such a fulfilling stage in your career?

This is the first time I've really stepped up to bat and put myself wholeheartedly into something and really tried to do things. This movie is the most I've ever put myself into something. And I'm so vulnerable about that. I went to art school. I was studying liberal arts, and then I went off and did "Godfather III." And then after that I went to Cal Arts [California School of the Arts] and studied fine art. And I got into photography because my friends were photographers. I think I'm curious, and I would ask questions. We were always making little short films, and I made video movies as a kid. I was always interested in that, but having my dad being a such a huge figure in that area, it probably took me longer to come to the idea that I could direct.

What have been the disappointments in your life?

I don't know. I mean, definitely I've had disappointments. I think a lot of it came with not knowing what I wanted to do, and trying to figure out my identity.

You mentioned "fear." Was that debilitating for you?

I think it's scary to put yourself out there, especially when your family is in the public eye. But I mean, at some point you have to forget all that.

And you've succeeded?

I don't know. I just sort of put all that aside, and felt so strongly about making this movie.

Next page | Vincent Gallo's sex life