Real greatness comes from that sort of spontaneity of the moment that takes it into another level. That can never be planned it happens or it doesn't. And you can't force it.

An actor cannot be a censor. I'm there to interpret.

One man can change the world with a bullet in the right place.

I am a professional actor and I don't go about moralizing about what the character does. Otherwise, seriously, why be an actor? You're not making some kind of social statement. That's not what actors do. They may inadvertently do it, but it's because of the script, not the acting.

I particularly love theater, I just love a challenge, and always have, and will do anything to make it interesting. I'll try anything, really, as long as it's a challenge and you can have some fun doing it.

The most dangerous people are always clever, compelling, and charismatic.

Different directors offer you different things, and it's not necessarily the most obvious things.

If you look a little punkish, then they’re going to give you the parts. And if you play an iconic villain early on in your career, you tend to get asked to play one over and over and over again.

I never feel I repeat myself. I really go out of my way to amuse myself. I would be bored stiff. If I feel the déjavu when I'm doing something, I stop and rethink and rework it.

The great thing about Burgess's work is the dichotomy of making the hero or anti-hero an immoral man. And that's what makes it interesting. Because, you know, you are sucked into kind of like this guy.

You know, I've had an incredible career and I'm blessed.

I think we're all a little afraid of the dark. If you lived in the country, as I did, there's nothing quite like country dark, which was really black. And as a child, your imagination runs wild.

There are no great scripts - just great films.

Once you commit to something, you've got to commit the whole way. Try and make the best of it.

The most nurturing of directors can make you feel too comfortable, and you don't really push for that extra whatever.