Many of us live in dysfunctional families, and so even if it's in a fairy tale, or perhaps because it's in a fairy tale, we have a chance to look at that side of our reflected lives differently.

Friendship is one of the most tangible things in a world which offers fewer and fewer supports.

One of the things that makes Hamlet unique among Shakespeare's characters is his courage to face up to the darker elements of his personality.

Hamlet and Victor Frankenstein are each obsessed with death. Hamlet's whole story is a philosophical preparation for death; Victor's is an intellectual refusal to accept it.

It doesn't mean old or younger. I've learned a lot from people much younger than me as well as people much older than me. So I think it's about honesty and generosity.

We're self obsessed and mad and stupid - not that other people can't be the same way - but the extremes are kind of honest in some mad way. Anyway, I like them.

My definition of success is control.

I come from the theatre, my bones are in the theatre; it’s as natural as breathing to want to be in the theatre

The glory of 70mm is the sharpness of the image it offers.

There is some mysterious thing that goes on whereby, in the process of playing Shakespeare continuously, actors are surprised by the way the language actually acts on them.

I don't think Hamlet is mad, nor is he predisposed to be a gloomy or tragic figure.

The relationship you take for granted is the one that needs the greatest work.

A turmoil of winds rushed around him, spiraling up in to the air: he was thinking.

The sun was fierce, the land seemed to glisten and drip with steam.

It is easy to talk on religion, but difficult to practice it.

There's nothing like a love for our children. I love being a papa, and that's the truth.

CLARE: The library is cool and smells like carpet cleaner, although all I can see is marble.

Thank you to country radio for believing in me.

Never learn to do anything: if you don't learn, you'll always find someone else to do it for you.

I always wanted to direct. Directing is a lot more of a commitment though, a lot more time. I like directors who do very few takes, they know what they want.

Look with favor upon a bold beginning.