I just loved playing a man who was unafraid of making an idiot of himself in the process of falling in love. I found that admirable.

I was fortunate as a young actor, to go straight to the RSC, where I learned that being an actor can bring with it wonderful responsibilities.

We are adjusters. We empathize, we change rhythm and above all we listen to our fellow actors-if they're good actors.

It's Sir Ben. I've not been a Mister for two years.

The many many imponderables come together when a film opens and for all sorts of reasons it may or may not succeed.

Filming is so much to do with rhythm, as is music, and if it isn't there then you know in the end nobody can save it really, they can't.

The camera does not like acting. The camera is only interested in filming behaviour. So you damn well learn your lines until you know them inside out, while standing on your head!