I think it serves the purpose of the film if the premise is that you're unsure of me because you've only ever really seen me play villains.

I'm very organized and tidy in my home life and I generally do something myself rather than farm it out to somebody else. I don't have an assistant or anything because I think I can do it myself.

I've played lots of villains in my time and I think the reason they've been so successful is that they're not two-dimensional. They're not black and white. That's the gig.

I loved making The Imitation Game and it's really gratifying to hear the audience's response to the character that I play.

The Peugeot is a very unthreatening car.

Rowan Joffe is very specific. I mean, he wrote it as well and he has a very orderly writer's mind and the same applies to his directing.

The important bit for an actor is the actual shooting of it, because the minute the shoot ends, it's got nothing to do with you anymore.

When you're making a psychological thriller, what you need to do is have an audience on shifting sand so they're never quite sure where they are.

The idea of transformation - playing something I'm not - is the bit I enjoy most about acting.

In the past, if I didn't work, I didn't eat but now I feel I can not work and I won't starve.

I despise the rituals of fake friendship. I wish we could just claw each other's eyes out and call it a day

A ‘normal person’ is what is left after society has squeezed out all unconventional opinions and aspirations out of a human being.

Why do you do that?Do what?Blow off compliments.I don't.You kind of do.Sorry.Don't apologize. Just learn to say thanks.

The Council on Foreign Relations is the American branch of a society which originated in England ... [and] ... believes national boundaries should be obliterated and one-world rule established.

In their religion they are so uneven, That each man goes his own byway to heaven.

What was the good of dreaming of adventure if you turned your back on the first one that came your way?

I don't stand on protocol. Just call me your Excellency.

Hearing Sonny Rollins live... that was really amazing. There were so many things that really blew me away at that time [of schooling].

Do not believe in me or any other teacher, rather trust in your own inner voice. This is your guide, this is your teacher. Your teacher is within not without. Know yourself, not me!

It is hard work to be good when you are very little and very hungry, and have many sticks to beat you, and no mother's lips to kiss you.