You don't merely give over your creativity to making a film - you give over your life! In theatre, by contrast, you live these two rather strange lives simultaneously; you have no option but to confront the mould on last night's washing-up.

The one thing that I appear to have been given, bearing in mind that I am capable of being very, very scatty and extremely lazy, is the ability to concentrate on something I choose to give my time to.

God knows, I haven't always been successful.

I think some actors thrive on working at a much greater pace than I do.

I hate the domestic life.

Periodically over the years I've always taken periods of time away from acting.

I never retreat from films, as it were, I simply indulge in other interests, that's all.