I mean, language fascinates me anyway, and different words have different energies and you can change the whole drive of a sentence.

I've learned, having been on a lot of sets, the good news is that by definition you are surrounded by experts. They get fired if they're not - unlike in the theatre!

It is an ancient need to be told stories. But the story needs a great storyteller. Thanks for all of it, Jo.

Talent is an accident of genes - and a responsibility.

The point about a great story is that it's got a beginning, a middle and end.

Acting touches nerves you have absolutely no control over.

Certainly as actors, and maybe as directors, you've got to hang on to something childlike. You've got to know what play is. I haven't worked with Mike Leigh, but I know him very well and there's something open in his eyes about what's in front of him. And the same is true of Alfonso in a Mexican, mad way. There's an enthusiastic response to something. Neil Jordan, the same, when he gets excited . You just want to know there's a human being in there.