The more we mask ourselves, the freer we're able to be within ourselves.

It's sort of a meat market, the whole awards thing, and I don't think you can predict it anymore - who's going to like what you've done, if it's worthy or not. And hopefully, that's not why you make a film, because if you're distracted by that, or only striving for that, you don't do it justice.

I'm not much of a crier but it is mildly soul-destroying and exposing to do something physical that you are terrible at in front of other people.

I think a shot can actually influence a scene in a huge way. For example, comedy is always better in a two-shot. What's between the characters is what's funny. So you learn about these things as you go along.

I think for me the job always has to be the right thing at the right time.

Why should you have to atone for making big movies?

Cate's absolutely spellbinding. She was like that just eating a sandwich. I knew at the time I was privileged, but since she's become God's gift to actresses I realise exactly how lucky I was.