I think every American actor wants to be a movie star. But I never wanted to do stupid movies, I wanted to do films. I vowed I would never do a commercial, nor would I do a soap opera - both of which I did as soon as I left the Acting Company and was starving.

I'm a real pushover for animals.

When you have satire, it has to be real. No matter how outrageous the comedy becomes, you have to believe in the characters.

Dogs do have feelings. I gather.

Playing Shakespeare requires technique. You don't play a Bach toccata by getting in the mood.

It never ceases to surprise me, the people I get to work with. I'm in a French film with Sandrine Bonnaire? I adore Sandrine Bonnaire. I'm doing a picture for Robert Redford? The Sundance Kid? I have to pinch myself sometimes.

I see God as a song-and-dance man. If I had my way, he'd be able to carry a tune, too. Preferably, one of mine.