I'd done "Gosford Park," a film that Julian Fellowes had written that Robert Altman directed.

I am just surprised to be doing anything at my age actually. When you think of where I am now and where I've come from, I am very pleased and very grateful to be standing up and delivering Julian's great lines.

I just did adore Daniel - Daniel Radcliffe, who I had worked with before "Harry Potter" and spent a long time telling all the producers they had to see him because I thought he was so terrific. And it's been sad thinking about it because of Alan Rickman.

I believe that I am past my prime. I had reckoned on my prime lasting till I was at least fifty.

The last couple of years have been a write-off, though I'm beginning to feel like a person now. My energy is coming back.

If someone is going to talk about the process of making a film, it should be the director.

I like being outside and working with the elements. The elemental aspects of it. The physicality of it.