'The English Patient' was a huge turning point in my career and my life; it became this huge thing. But the whole Oscar build-up got completely out of control; I spent more time talking about that film than I spent making it!

Men don't fall in love with me - only young ones.

Having a career is a bit like navigating an Atlantic crossing - you have to make sure everything is keeping and is balanced.

I find it difficult to explain, but I'm quite ashamed of being an actress.

I try to make films that I find exciting. It makes me want to get out of bed at five in the morning, have my make-up done and play for the rest of the day.

I think people do work too much. I've never been able to understand the whole 'make hay while the sun shines' thing. Either I want to work or I don't want to work.

The parts I've been most successful in are the ones I've desperately, desperately wanted.