And consequently, you have this rich looking film, which gives it this kind of muscular feel, deep focus, soft focus look. I'm not that great on development. I can see where things go wrong, but Beau, Carl and Mike Finch, they worked on it relentlessly. And then I would see the material and I would say, "Well, that just doesn't ring true. I don't quite know why that's happening."

I'm an actor first and foremost. My producing credentials are just to say, "Yeah, I love this story and now let's bring the people, the ensemble together," and I get out of the way. I have no desire to check on schedules and shooting schedules and money and stuff like that.

You can get totally messed up trying to please everyone with what you do, but ultimately, you have to please yourself.

I was a commercial artist when I left school, but luckily I became an actor. I've painted for many, many years. Now the last few years it's gotten more serious.

It felt after the Bonds, after my four outings as James Bond, there seemed to be unfinished business. And the way that the Bond finished in my life and the demise of Bond going off stage left into the night, it seemed like there was a certain void there, as they say, of unfinished business.

To my eye, women get sexier around 35. They know a thing or two, and knowledge is always alluring.

When I found acting, it was my saving grace - still is. That I get paid to do it is remarkable. That I get to meet people like Salma Hayek - one of the most beautiful women I know, with the most magnificent energy - is phenomenal.