Quote

I think Michael Caine is a perfectly good actor but it's obvious he's not going to be in one of my films.

Let me put it this way: If you're sitting in a movie and you're watching me, and you say, 'Isn't that Michael Caine a wonderful actor?' then I've failed.

Growing up in Britain, Michael Caine has always been such an icon. Chatting with him, I know I came across as the biggest doofus. Literally, I was, like, bowing to him.

I think the first British actor who really worked well in cinema was Albert Finney. He was a back-street Marlon Brando. He brought a great wittiness and power to the screen. The best actor we've had.

The thing about many celebrities - not all - is that they're fantastic actors.

There is a whole bunch of great British actors of my age who aren't film stars or theatre actors; they're very much both.

My favorite actor is Sir Ben Kingsley - nobody is as good as him, in my opinion. I think he's so good as an artist.

As an actor, I really like Philip Seymour Hoffman. I think he's a genius.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, I don't know if you'd call him a great actor, but he's amazing in terms of his presence, and he is interesting enough that you want to watch him.