I think in the old days, everybody used to act really quickly because Hollywood was built by theatre people.

I did actually sit down with a blank sheet of paper once. I think the phone rang and that was the end of my literary career.

All actors who have been around for a long time, which I have, and have been skint for long periods, which I have, find it difficult to turn down jobs. If I turn anything down my stomach turns over. I feel sick. It feels like gambling.

It can't be overstated how wonderful it is not to have to audition any more. Any actor will tell you, it's like Christmas.

I admire David Hare as much as I admire certainly any writer ever. What I like about his writing is it is very conscientiously, in one way, an attempt to reproduce the way people actually speak, but it's not just an attempt at naturalism. It's stylised and it's heightened, to great effect. It's elegant and it's funny and that's the way to my heart, frankly.

I never mind doing press; it's never bothered me.

If I'm going to appear in front of people I like to look my best.