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

What we're doing is saying what happens with the establishment and how are we as ordinary human beings are used as pawns. What do we really know about what goes on! We think we are a democracy.... Are we? I'm not so sure.

I was a typical teen growing up in the 1960s, when everybody was into gurus and meditation.

I am very traditional as a man. I am not modern and never have been. I think I was born 50 years of age and out of my time.

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.

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'm really not interested in showing me or playing me. My gift as an actor, given to me, is to be able to become other people.