Tabloid favourites ... Elizabeth's sisters Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.

Olsen's other film at Sundance is Martha Macy May Marlene, in which she plays a young women trying to readjust to life after escaping from a cult.

"It's hard for independent films when they want to get money," said Olsen. "And to have a lead be an unknown - it's kind of a risk for people to take. And so the fact that they took that risk was like made my year, my life, I don't know! It was really exciting."

The actress may be enthusiastic about her career but turns serious when it comes to the idea of being a tabloid target like her big sisters, now 24, who are chased constantly by paparazzi. The Olsen twins have been in the spotlight since they were hired as infants to share a role in the TV comedy Full House.



"When I would go shopping with my sisters when I was younger, it would be dangerous. People would almost get us into car accidents. I just think it's crazy in general but I want to be an actor - and I have since I was a little girl - and if that happens, then you figure out how to deal with it where it doesn't completely infringe upon your life," said Olsen.



"I haven't experienced that personally yet. Hopefully I don't have to but I think it's a really weird part of this business."



AP