There's a perceived inverse relation between looks and talent. Look at Charlize Theron - she made herself ugly for 'Monster' and suddenly everyone said 'she's a genius.' It shouldn't be like that.

There's nothing more exciting for an actor than a chance to lose, to be someone who has lost - especially if it's someone who starts off with a veneer of control. To be broken is wonderful.

I am very much a seat-of-the-pants actor. I will prepare when I have to. But I like being unprepared.

People do seem to think that I'm going to be some wicked witch, and then they're always surprised to find out I'm just a little clumsy nerd.

I don't think you should feel guilty about pleasure. Defeats the purpose.

I worked in Tesco's staff canteen because I fancied a boy on the tills. I served him his lunch in a hairnet and tan tights. Not just that, of course - I had a lovely white onesie.

I love being physical, but I am extreme either way. I can be superfit. And then I can be really lazy and ignore everything.

I do what I do; I cant control who thinks what.

I hate being looked at. Can't stand it. I know, I know - I picked the wrong career.

I'm sort of like a T. rex in the world of female actresses. Every time a job is finished, I look at my car and think, 'Could I live in it?

I think I cry when I'm angry. I let it go that way.

Face your fears or they will climb over your back.

Reality offers us such wealth that we must cut some of it out on the spot, simplify. The question is, do we always cut out what we should? ­

Books allow you to open doors, and chapters allow you to explore

American science is much more organized, much more hierarchical than British science has been.

Things which any idiot could write usually have the quality of having been written by an idiot.

With that malignant envy which turns pale, And sickens, even if a friend prevail.

In relationship with others, it is only you mirrored.

I've written all that I've wanted to write to date.

My family is as far from a stage family as you could ever possibly find.

Taking life seriously requires taking death seriously.