In 'The Grandmaster,' I had a supporting role, but my character in 'The Crossing' is much more central to the plot.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
To me, any character that is conflicted inside as well as outside of themselves is always a better role to play.
I've been quite lucky in that the roles that I've been able to play are all kind of outsiders.
People always ask me, 'Why so many historical dramas?' Because those are the best roles I get to play, and I get to play heroes in those roles.
I like roles of people who can overcome things because there's strength in that and an arc - and roles where they start in one place, and toward the end of the script they end up in a completely different place, so you've seen this growth and some humanity in the role.
I relate to most of the characters I play, because I do feel like an outsider.
The best characters to play are the ones who have deep internal conflict.
My favorite roles usually have to do with the story, if it's a good story I usually enjoy doing the character.
It's the same as any role and I find that you can't lump characters together; because they all have different life experiences, different reasons for being the way they are.
I don't think I've been in a supporting role in any of the plays I've done, ever.
Not one role that I've played has been written specifically for me.