I think we have reached a level in society - with Helen Mirren playing The Queen - when we're not surprised any more. We don't mention names. Yes, it's obvious by inference. But we don't mention names and the film is not up to point fingers at Royalty.

So, if I ever played Napoleon it would be with an Italian accent. He was an outsider, which also interests me.

I'm really into my photography and am trying to catch up with digital generation - I was used to the old 35mm cameras.

In so many roles I've played the outsider. As an outsider, you have more energy to succeed simply because you are an outsider. There are scripts floating around but they're not coming my way and I think that I am getting a little bit too old to play Napoleon. But if I was ever offered the role I would grab it.

I became fascinated by the fact that people write to give away rather than write to be read. It's the difference between playwrights and novelists.

Inevitably, every part an actor plays contains some of himself.

I love playing real people. It's a huge challenge and responsibility which I take on board and which I relish. It also scares me to death. Give me a totally fictional character and I don't have the same sort of responsibility. If, though, I play Sigmund Freud or Robert Maxwell or whoever then there is a responsibility.