Three-time Oscar nominee Joan Allen often plays strong women who are at the moral center of their films, including the character Pamela Landy, a by-the-book career CIA operative, in her latest movie, "The Bourne Ultimatum."

The film, out in theaters Aug. 3, is the third installment of the Jason Bourne action-adventure series, and Allen reprises her role as the woman who seeks to solve the mystery of Bourne's past, while opposing decisions made by her superiors that she believes are ethically wrong.

Allen's cool, intellectual portrayal of Landy hints at the strength inside the actress who has won most every major award for her work on and off-Broadway, including the best actress Tony Award for her performance in Lanford Wilson's "Burn This."

When asked about the moral center of her life, and what Allen most values, she doesn't hesitate to answer.

"My daughter is the center of my life," Allen says, sitting in a Beverly Hills, Calif., hotel room. "Sadie's 13, and I make all my decisions, as best I can, based on her best interests. I'm divorced, and we live in New York City. I like being self-sufficient; being able to take care of her and myself."

Allen says she maintains a good relationship with ex-husband Peter Friedman and their daughter spends equal time with both parents. Being a single mom has definitely contributed to developing her inner strength.

"When you're living in two separate households, in the moments when your kid's angry or upset about something, you don't have a partner for a reality check, and that's difficult," Allen says. "I have wonderful women friends who I consider family, and make those relationships a priority in my life."

In "The Bourne Ultimatum," Allen's character is a woman who has no problem taking charge and giving orders. It's ironic that Hollywood has given us great female presidents (Geena Davis in "Commander in Chief" or Mary McDonnell in "Battlestar Galactica") and vice presidents (Glenn Close in "Air Force One" or Joan Allen aiming to be vice president in "The Contender"), yet we still struggle with the notion of a woman being in the White House in any capacity beyond First Lady.

Allen says young adults are not as concerned about social issues today as they were in decades past, when college students would protest for civil rights and the end to the Vietnam War.

"People are more self-involved," she notes. "What can I get for myself, and how fast can I get it? I try to teach my daughter by modeling the behavior of thinking about other people first, and living in the real world."

While Allen does her best to be a good teacher, she says her daughter teaches her constantly as well.

"She's strong and forthright," Allen says. "I don't like confrontation, and she's fearless. When she blows, she clears the air, and there's no cancer left inside. I tend to keep emotions inside, and not express things.

"She's taught me that anger is not horrible. I've taught her that holding your temper, and counting to 10 is a good way to go. She teaches me that life is always changing, and you've got to appreciate it, and let it go."

That, perhaps, is the ultimate lesson in life.