I'm going to fail to hit the mark I've put up before me because it's not possible to hit it. I want to be the best at what I do so I've got to get over myself already because that's never going to happen. I ain't ever going to be God.

Vanity is normal in performers. Does it bother other people? All the time. But nine times out of 10, that says more about them than you.

I had a huge imagination. My granddad says I was a bit of a Walter Mitty character.

There's an abundance of exposure when you start working in American films. Inevitably you become a brand and that has to be controlled.

Whatever character you play, remember they are always doing something they are not just talking.

I spent my entire experience with Gary on Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy staring at him and not returning any lines because I think he's God. The second time on The Dark Knight Rises I was playing God, so I ignored him. Kicked him a bit, that kind of thing. Gary Oldman is one of my heroes, I did nothing but glean from him.

If I am duly compared to Marlon Brando at all, well, I can only think of The Teahouse of the 'Shanghai Noon,' that they're comparing me to that!