Novels have become equally important to me as films. I consider myself a storyteller and passionately engaged in both of those disciplines.

I never had any desire to become a well-known actress.

Deirdre Maddon has an extraordinary, almost celestial way of telling a story. There are so many great writers now - although I also want to go back and read all of Dickens again.

We all have to embrace the idea not to be worried about there being other women in the room. Gay men work with such solidarity.

You work with each individual actor as you perceive their needs to be. It's something that you've figured out in the weeks of pre-production.

One of the things that's good for me is that I can go from one art form to another. Because I think if I had to write another novel now I would really not be good in my head anymore. It's too much. The frustration is so intense of knowing that this structure is right around the corner. Writing is a particular kind of frustration.

Looking at paintings was a huge part of finding my way into the lush world of the 18th century.