Actor

When you work with someone you don't quite know, you have to figure the director out, and you can come up with ideas that are counter-productive.

I love having 30 shots of every scene.

Lars von Trier is a very good storyteller. He's like an H. C. Andersen for adults.

I'm almost sometimes too subtle in my acting.

In Europe, the director is the king: it's his vision. It's an auteur tradition.

The difference between an experienced director and a new director is not as big as the difference between individual directors, the temperament they have, and the things they're interested in.

I am not a nationalist in any way, and I hate flag waving, and I don't think much good has come out of nationalism. I am proud of Scandinavia in the sense that we have actually managed to create a very tolerant and human society, which is very livable.

I did a Norwegian film called 'Insomnia' that was remade and that was a good remake by a good director, so I'm honoured.

When I had kids, I became a better actor. I just stole from them.

I know how to cut meat, yeah. I know how to cook, basically.

Even if you're the President of the United States, you still act like a little child and think like a little child sometimes. Childish behavior is what I look for in all of my characters because that is what makes them human.

I grew up in a family where you were allowed to say anything; you were allowed to show weakness... I have no problems talking about anything, basically. But at the same time, I know I'm different than a woman.

I don't know if I am a good cook, but I am a dedicated cook.

The first time I did a big American film, I was surprised by all the different financiers who came to the set and told the director what to do.