If I spent all my time criticising myself, I wouldn't be able to function. There are actors who theorise till the cows come home. I haven't the patience for them. It's maybe shallow, but that's why I'll never be part of the acting set.

I don't know what acting is, but I enjoy it. I think we ask too many questions of ourselves. We make too much importance of stuff. But I do say to actors when I have taught in classes, or when I sometimes do a talk to a group. I'll say, “If I never acted again, the world wouldn't stop, nor would it stop if I didn't stop acting. That's how important it is. I know it [seems] important when you're young. But I say, “Lighten up. Don't take it all so seriously.” All the gurus and teachers will take your money and run.

Danger is the spice of life and you’ve got to take a risk now and then…that’s what makes life worthwhile.

How do you play Hannibal Lector? Well just don't move. Scare people by being still.

I worked with Steven Spielberg on Amistad... he seemed so very secure in himself that he let me do things.

When you are at the right age to play Hamlet you are still to young and immature to play it. It is much later, when you get the life experience and the emotional power, that you understand Hamlet or Macbeth.

I'd like to wake up and look like Brad Pitt in the morning, but I don't. I look in the mirror, and I see me.