Praise is nothing that accumulates. Praise is a sequence, especially if you've toiled for a long time. Praise does not pile up. So in a way, you can't get too much. I don't consider it to be a quantity that you can measure by volume.

The villain is usually the most interesting part. But it has to be a smart thing. Just dumb cliche villains with a Russian accent and big muscles and a mean face, I don't know. My Russian accent isn't that great, and the muscles aren't that big and the mean face is not enough. You know what I mean? It gets very boring. Tedious stuff.

You know, I don't talk about the characters that I play. Years ago, I was a little timid about it and I kind of squirmed when I was asked, 'Could you tell us something about your character.' Now with a little self-confidence that comes with the grey beard, I just flatly refuse.

You see, my version of why anyone would want to become an actor is that it's some psychological fixation, something that happened in puberty that you didn't outgrow in time, which is normal. Nevertheless, if you make it a profession, it can be really neurotic.

By looking into more details of American history, we can make more sense of what's happening today.

It's a wonderful narrative device to bring someone from the outside and look through his eyes if you want to describe the absurdity and preposterous reality that is accepted amongst the ones who are inside.

Ten flashing lights are a nuisance but 500 are fantastic.

Becoming an actor is like becoming a father. It's not hard to become one. Making a life of it is the challenge.

I have always been so interested in film as a medium.

I only do what I like to do.

I think in Europe, movies are made like a commodity and then sold as art.

I think Stephen Sondheim is a - and I hardly ever use this word - but this is as close as it gets to a genius.

I used to hate exposure situations. What is generally referred to as 'red carpet.'

I'm not really all that familiar with comic book culture.

I'm open to working anywhere, but not on anything.

I'm trying to be very aware of not repeating myself.

I'm very bad with improvisation. I hate it.

It bothers me that people who should know better believe a glossy magazine fantasy.

It's easy to not feel misplaced if this tidal wave of appreciation is coming your way.

My agent is the quickest, sharpest man on earth.