I don't play villains, I play very interesting people

Originally, theater was my life. It was what I assumed I'd spend my working life doing - if I was lucky. Then along came movies.

Acting touches nerves you have absolutely no control over.

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.

The first time that I came to New York to work properly was the mid-'80s, but I was doing eight shows a week. You have no life. Going to a punk rock club - or whatever the music was at that time - would not have been on my agenda.

I think there's some connection between absolute discipline and absolute freedom.

I always feel that when I come to Edinburgh, in many ways I am coming home.