I never feel I repeat myself. I really go out of my way to amuse myself. I would be bored stiff. If I feel the déjavu when I'm doing something, I stop and rethink and rework it.

Let's not get too precious about it: actors are not heart surgeons or brain surgeons. We are just entertaining people.

Real greatness comes from that sort of spontaneity of the moment that takes it into another level. That can never be planned; it happens or it doesn't. And you can't force it.

The most nurturing of directors can make you feel too comfortable, and you don't really push for that extra whatever.

The great thing about Burgess's work is the dichotomy of making the hero or anti-hero an immoral man. And that's what makes it interesting. Because, you know, you are sucked into kind of like this guy.

An actor cannot be a censor. I'm there to interpret.

My favorite actor who played villains - who could play anything, really - was Jimmy Cagney.