We live in a celebrity-obsessed society.

When I was younger, I used to write to directors when I was unsure I could play a role. I'd say: 'You've made a terrible mistake.'

I act because I have to, because I need to find out whether I can do it or not - that's what drives me and excites me and lights me up.

I don't like the word celebrity. If I become a good actress and be in movies where I'm expected to be a good actress, who is recognised, that's different to being what I consider to be a celebrity. My job is an actor and that's what I'm passionate about and adore. It's a privilege to be able to do this job for a living.

The reason I act is because I'm trying to understand why people are as they are.

There is a part of me that is not fulfilled by acting. It is a self-involved life; it can feel shallow, but not very often.

I think when you're an actor and you're drawing on your emotions all the time, you need to be quite steady.