Over a spell of about three years, I played a series of roles that were, for me, all very different, but most of them came out within a six-month period. They all dealt with a kind of dark territory that in some cases had been mined before in movies.

If youre not concerned about maintaining an image, you can pursue roads that another actor might not take.

I'm not a writer. I marvel at writing. I am sometimes absolutely astounded when I read something and I think how in the world did that man or that woman sit down at a typewriter, a computer or a pen and an ink well, and seemingly have nothing come between their heart and that pen.

Its interesting to play a politician who gets stuff done.

I mean we all played as kids. You play games, you take on different characters, you imitate; the fun and the love of play has never left me.

The Old Vic has always been first and foremost an actors theatre, a home for great talent and memorable performances.

I have never played a game in my life.