I know people think that I always play these characters who are in control and can chop someone's head off with a look.

Exoticism can give you an edge: it makes people assume you're cleverer than you are and gives you the upper hand.

As an adult, it's a huge shock to be orphaned; as a child it's just hideous, ghastly.

I'm a late developer.

Everyone loves to hate a spin doctor.

When you make a film, you sign a contract with somebody, and it's not only legally binding but morally binding. You agree to give this man a certain number of weeks of your life, and you just go for it as much as possible. Because, whatever happens, the film is going to come out, so you might as well try very hard to make it a good one.

Often, the roles I'm offered in England are melancholic women who are filled with regret for the past, regret for their fading beauty.