Katie Holmes spreads positivity in new film The Secret: Dare To Dream
As a self-described optimist, Katie Holmes was the perfect candidate to bring Aussie bestseller The Secret to life. But the Hollywood star wants to spread the message of positive thinking through her new movie — especially due to recent events.
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Katie Holmes is one of the most recognised women in Hollywood. Belying that high profile is her comparatively brief resume which includes fewer than 40 films and only a handful of television roles since her breakthrough in ’90s teen hit Dawson’s Creek.
The former is still largely due to the continued fascination with her former marriage to superstar Tom Cruise. The latter attests to the discerning approach she takes to choosing roles.
So it comes as no surprise to learn that Holmes is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking and the law of attraction which is explored in The Secret: Dare To Dream, her new film based on Australian author Rhonda Byrne’s 2006 self-help tome The Secret, which became an international phenomenon selling more than 30 million copies.
“I’m a fan of Rhonda’s book. I believe in positivity, and of course that has been tested this year for everyone,” says Holmes.
“I’m happy that they decided to release the movie now, just to be a part of something that’s uplifting, something that you can watch with your whole family, something that brings a lightness to the mood which I think is helpful right now.”
Holmes, 41, is speaking via a video conferencing app from her home in New York which she shares with daughter Suri, 14, the product of her five-and-a-half year marriage to Cruise, which ended in 2012.
Ever the optimist, Holmes puts a positive spin on the COVID-19 crisis.
“Of course New York was hit hard and I feel horrible for everyone who’s lost someone, but to see people from all over America volunteer, medical heroes who work in the ER, and to see people every night clapping for the medical workers has been so moving and it makes you really appreciate and believe in humanity,” she says.
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The Secret: Dare To Dream focuses on Miranda Wells, a widow struggling to make ends meet while raising three children. It also stars Jerry O’Connell as her boyfriend (Tucker), and Josh Lucas, as a mysterious stranger (Bray Johnson) whose belief in the power of positive thinking changes her life.
“I feel like Miranda represents so many women who have endured hardships,” Holmes notes.
“I know women in my own life who have become my heroes and who have met very extreme challenges and they’ve carried on.
“I really looked to other women for inspiration in playing Miranda because I really wanted to make sure this was a realistic portrayal and someone that women could relate to and who they felt they’d seen.”
Although there are similarities in that Holmes is a single mother, on and off screen, she prefers not to disclose anything private about her own journey as mum to one of the world’s most famous teenagers.
“I like to keep her out of my interviews,” she shrugs, apologetically.
“But I will say that this time of quarantine has been such a lesson, just really looking at everything you have and celebrating the simplicity of making dinner and (spending) that time together.
“I feel strongly that the power of your own attitude definitely influences those around you, including your children.”
Holmes is currently single, following her six-year relationship with Jamie Foxx, which reportedly ended last year. Since then rumours have abounded of alleged romances with the likes of Bradley Cooper, Justin Theroux, and even her first love, Chris Klein.
Unsurprisingly, her love life is also off limits, though she agrees that fate influences the people we meet in our lives. She also believes in the power of working towards one’s own happiness.
“This time is an opportunity to re-evaluate what makes you happy, what you want to put your energy towards, what you’re really grateful for, what are (the) most meaningful things in your life. I feel that the more experiences you have, the more you get to know yourself, and the more you are able to revel in it,” she says.
While Miranda struggles on her journey of self-discovery, Holmes is endowed with a strong sense of self.
“I’ve always known what I wanted. I always wanted to be an actress and an artist and I grew up dreaming about it so I’m very grateful it happened. I think it’s helpful if you know exactly what you want, and sometimes you don’t. I’m very gentle with myself.”
Holmes also enjoys her work behind the camera and is gearing up to direct her second feature, following up her 2016 directorial debut, All We Had.
“Acting is my first love, but I also enjoy the experience of directing and have a new appreciation for the directors I’ve worked with,” she says.
Holmes famously left the church of Scientology when she and Cruise broke up and returned to her Catholic roots. And she credits her single sex education with ensuring she is supportive of her fellow women in the film industry, whereas some of her peers choose to remain competitive.
“That all-girls Catholic school experience really stayed with me. It was very normal for me to help other girls, not be competitive but to be really there for each other and that has been a foundation for me my whole life,” she explains.
“I love working with women, I look up to women, I trust them. For me, it’s just natural, because I have had those bonds since I was 14 years old.”
Holmes clearly lives a balanced life between career and her most important role, raising Suri.
“When I think about my life, I feel very blessed. I have felt very lucky and I rely on my instincts a lot but I also forgive myself for mistakes,” she says.
“I don’t beat myself up, I try to keep moving and I try to find the good in things and find the hope. I realise how lucky I am.”
* The Secret: Dare To Dream in now showing in selected cinemas