I have just returned from the dubbing studio where I spoke into a microphone as Severus Snape for absolutely the last time.

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

I've never been able to plan my life. I just lurch from indecision to indecision.

Each character I play has different dimensions. I'm not interested in words that pull them together.

If only life could be a little more tender and art a little more robust.

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.

A wounding tongue. I'm working on it. Perhaps its the Celt in me.