Ian McDiarmid Quotes

Portraying emotionally ill characters gives me the chance to really act.

Although my stories are all very different on the surface, I like to write stories about characters struggling with big problems. I'm always reminded, no matter how different from me one of my characters is from me on the surface, how we're all pretty much the same underneath.

I actually think it's harder to play vulnerability, because you're having to delve deeper into portions of your own psyche, what it is that makes you human.

The chance to play a romantic character who kisses somebody onscreen was one of the elements that made me want to do 'The Stand.' The more you can do, the better, and I've been known as a character actor.

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.

The movies and TV shows I like to watch tend to put their characters in situations where they have to dig deeper.

I dig those kinds of roles where I have to dig down and find some internal motivation. I like tough roles.

I like being able to play women that are growing or aren't easy to love. Maybe they are really likable, but they're annoying because they're not tapping into who they're suppose to be. You're watching them, and you're like, 'Oh, why does she keep making this decision?'

I like doing stuff that is sad or angry. It's a challenge, because you're doing a mix of scenes and you're making a person.

You're always trying to look for material that is as challenging as possible, so that's why I like stuff where the characters go through the most difficult times they've ever had in their life. It makes me push myself further and learn more about myself.

As an actor, you can't play big, huge things. But, what you can play is love for your father and caring for your daughter and being afraid, and having to dig deep and find out what you're made of. All of those things have been incredibly fun to play.

In 'Reggaeton' in particular, I get the opportunity to show my range as an actor. I have scenes where I cry and a love scene. I think people may be pleasantly surprised at what they see.

I think people need to understand the amount of emotions I can pull off. I want films I'm offered to have these dimensions.

Claire Danes in 'Homeland' just blew me away. She is so intuitive, and her choices are so unique. When you see somebody like that work, you just have to stop in your tracks. It is a lesson in what good acting really is, and it is so inspiring to be around.

For me, what is important is to bring the inner life of these characters - their strengths, contradictions, anguish and triumph - alive.

Whatever that means, however you got on that mountain, why not try to climb it? And do it in your own way.

It's the trials and tribulations that really test a person, and coming through those difficulties is what shapes a person's character.

I feel like I am a better person because of my struggles, because of my challenges and persevering through them and realizing the mistakes that I've made, correcting them.

Every character, before they are heroes or villains, they are human beings.

I'm a lot more focused on character development and showing more of my character's emotions and persona inside the ring rather than just going move after move after move.

In my life, being true to myself certainly hasn't made things easier. You could never accuse me of taking the path of least resistance.

For me, 'Soul Deep' wasn't an easy thing to do.

I was really excited when films like 'Kaala Paani,' 'Maachis,' 'Chandni Bar' and others came my way. The sheer fact that I would get to portray various emotions was thrilling.

I feel like within each of us is a million different people that we could reveal and that we can be sometimes... And for me, the process of acting isn't so much about finding the person outside of myself and mimicking them but, rather, releasing parts of myself and adding them to the character.

I have always played the cheerful girl next door, especially on the Internet, and this film is a break from that. My character is more moody and bratty in 'Karwaan.'