When I am asked about influences, I always say I bow down to Fred Astaire, because when you look at him dancing you never look at his extremities, do you? You look at his centre. What you never see is the hours of work that went into the routines, you just see the breathtaking spirit and freedom.
Alan RickmanI think there should be laughs in everything. Sometimes, it's a slammed door, a pie in the face or just a recognition of our frailties.
Alan RickmanAny actor who judges his character is a fool - for every role you play you've got to absorb that character's motives and justifications.
Alan RickmanI'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!
Alan RickmanThe directors you trust the most are the ones, when you ask them a question, they've got the guts to say, 'I don't know.'
Alan Rickman