The truth is, if you're around long enough, you have a story about everyone. But it's best to keep your mouth shut sometimes.

I was born William. My father was William. I came from a big family, I hated being called Billy. Willem's a nickname; it's a Dutch name, very common in the Netherlands.

The worst thing is to get involved with people who aren't passionate about what they're doing.

The English Patient' is about the coming together of a French-Canadian nurse, an English patient, a Sikh in a turban and me, Caravaggio, and each of us is seeking a resolution to our own problems.

Great theatre is about challenging how we think and encouraging us to fantasize about a world we aspire to.

I never act. I simply bring out the real animal that's in me.

Sometimes I think women are lucky because they can develop in ways men can't. The old-boy network may be oppressive to women, but it actually stunts men in terms of personal growth.

The mask can be a limitation, but you just deal with it. You do get superhuman strength and pumpkin bombs and all this other stuff to express yourself with.'

You have to lose yourself to find yourself.

Action breeds inspiration more than inspiration breeds action.

I guess they often cast me as the bad guy, because I'm not, er, conventional looking. I look sort of violent. I'm the odd one out, the outsider.

When I wanted to know something, I wanted it undistorted by somebody else's imperfect knowledge.

I am seriously troubled by the proposed rapid consolidation in the telecommunications marketplace.

You know, kids come to see me in the same way that their parents would go to see a rock concert.

I'm kind of insane when it comes to music, a little obsessed.

Ever-newer waters flow on those who step into the same rivers.

The beauty of life is, therefore, geometrical beauty of a type that Plato would have much appreciated.

most crimes are connected to hunger. One hunger or another.

The only thing that we have earned at the hands of perfect justice is perfect punishment.

Whenever I start feeling too arrogant about myself, I always take a trip to the U.S. The immigration guys kick the star out of my stardom.

The red-carpet thing of premieres and parties is probably my least favourite part of my job.