In film, I find it very useful always to do some preparation before you start rehearsals or start shooting, because there's so much that's against you on a film set.

Dustin Hoffman takes such pleasure in what he does and there's nothing tense about him. He exudes joy and passion for what he's doing and that infects everyone. It certainly put me at ease coming to work with him every day. I felt his confidence and freedom rubbed off. He doesn't censor himself or stop an idea because he thinks it might be wrong.

When you have a character to work with, you carry them around in a strange way - they make you look at the world in a different way.

It's fun to pretend you're good at something you know you wouldn't be good at in real life.

I wish that the arts were better supported, and you can't say that enough times, but I also believe that whatever happens, artists will keep going.

I would have loved to have been a painter or a sculptor. I'm still fascinated by those things.

I used to collect knick-knacks, like wizards, trolls and little buddhas, and arrange them like precious things on a shelf.