Nothing is more diminishing than trying to control success or hold on to things.

I sometimes think it's like a weird elastic band. The more tragic your work is, the quicker you snap back. There's a catharsis in telling a miserable old tale; you get rid of demons.

There are some roles you just don't say 'no' to. Those compass points: you get them so rarely as an actress.

I don't look like Catherine Zeta-Jones, so I don't think Hollywood would be that interested in me, to be honest. I just want nice work.

As I get older, I want to draw on my experience to make roles better. I see that in the older women who inspire me - their experience makes them better.

People at a point of conflict are always the most interesting stories to tell.

You can't worry too much about profile; otherwise, you become a different kind of actor, and that's not the kind of actor I want to be.

There are people out there with three jobs and small children. Being an actor is a walk in the park compared to working as a cleaner overnight. I'm lucky I'm not plucking chickens.

You just grow up and learn to think instead of just feel.

When I started drama school, theatre was the main draw. I never had any movie star notions. Not that there were family ties to the theatre, either.

In theatre, there's the director, the writer, and below them the actor. In film, it's the actors who are most important. That goes against the grain for me.

You have always understood and accepted my most genuine, most intimate impulses and responded to them with surprising accuracy. I wish all people turned into such mirrors for each other.

Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer - and often the supreme disappointment.

People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.

Every time I do it at least proves I can still do it.

I don't turn to anyone for advice. I do what I want.

I find myself moved by social justice issues. I'm not sure where that will lead me. I'm willing to nurture it.

As an artist, I think you always have to take care of yourself as a person probably even more than the average person because your body is so important to your art.

I was just born to swing, that's all.

There is more uncertainty than usual about job futures because computers are replacing more and more human intelligence, and globalization is proceeding at an accelerating pace.

Every time I rise up, I have confidence that I'm going to make it.