Cruz's monster ruins magical moments

18 July 2008  

Spanish actress PENELOPE CRUZ has a "monster" that ruins her romances.
 
In a new magazine article, the Vanilla Sky star has hinted that her failed relationships with Matthew McConaughey and Tom Cruise were wrecked by her gloomy alter-ego, which has spoiled magical moments ever since she was a child.
 
Cruz, who is now dating fellow Spaniard Javier Bardem, tells W magazine she calls her angry inner voice "the monster" and has spent her life trying to control it.
 
She says, "I'm always finding very tricky and hidden ways to sabotage any beautiful moment. And it's something so internal that I don't think even my friends or family can catch me doing it. But I catch myself doing it.
 
"I've had that battle since I was a little girl. It's like, `Uh-oh, here it is again, the monster! Go away and leave me alone!'
 
"With time, you get more at peace with it. I used to get very upset about it, and very angry at myself. But now, when it comes, I just send it away."