I have some sort of affinity for compulsive behavior. The most interesting stories come up from the people on the outside. They don't waste energy marching to the same drummer most of us do. It gives us an opportunity to look at things in a different way, which is the purest thing cinema can do.

I've been in very few flat-out comedies. But I feel like I've always made comedies.

I aspire to be an instrument of the director. I'm happiest like that. The stronger the director, the more I'm willing to give them. It's not just about admiration for their films, it's how they deal with you, and whether they get you or the way you work. If they don't, you better adjust your way of working to suit them. I want to work with people who are good at what they do, and people who are passionate. As you get older, you suffer fools less easily. That's why there's all those cranky character actors. I'm an exception. I'm a sweetheart.

The director's very important to me, particularly when the director has a recognizable style.

I don't think people are interested in my personal life. I've never had a Hollywood life. I've always been a worker.

Turn off the sound in a movie, and if you can tell what's going on, the movie should work.

There's a real wisdom to not saying a thing.