When I finished my A-levels, I assumed I’d be able to get work as an actor. But I couldn’t. I didn’t get an audition. Nothing. So I thought I’d better train and then the parts would come.
BEN WHISHAWWhen I finished my A-levels, I assumed I’d be able to get work as an actor. But I couldn’t. I didn’t get an audition. Nothing. So I thought I’d better train and then the parts would come.
BEN WHISHAWThe thing I love about acting is that you can bring something very personal into the open and at the same time remain hidden because you’re always playing a character in a story that someone else has imagined. You’re always protected.
BEN WHISHAWI’d like to have a go at directing.
BEN WHISHAWThe thing about acting is that it’s fairly random. At the end of the day you take what drifts past you or what’s given to you.
BEN WHISHAWFor me, it’s important to keep a level of anonymity.
BEN WHISHAWI’ve gone on workout regimes, but I seem to have a system that is very resistant to changing.
BEN WHISHAWI would have loved to have been a painter or a sculptor. I’m still fascinated by those things.
BEN WHISHAWDustin Hoffman also never does the same thing twice which is totally stimulating because you’re always getting something new from him. You never really know what he’s going to do next, so you have to be on your toes.
BEN WHISHAWI always feel I am in the dark. You are never finished… it is not as if you can look back and think: ah… I know what I am talking about. You are only as good as your last job and are always struggling and striving and you never quite get to where you want to be.
BEN WHISHAWI’ve been out to LA a couple of times but, over there, the Grenouille in me always comes to the surface. I feel completely terrified, totally flummoxed, like I don’t understand what the hell is going on. I’ve no desire at all to go back there.
BEN WHISHAWI think I have a degree of confidence, but I also have terrible insecurity, like anybody does.
BEN WHISHAWI love the characters I’ve had the opportunity to play.
BEN WHISHAWI reckon domesticated cats have a pretty good life.
BEN WHISHAWI do get stopped on the street, although rarely. And they always have something lovely to say.
BEN WHISHAWI love films. I love music. I love poetry and stories. All of that I feel… I sort of get very excited and fed by.
BEN WHISHAWI find it really hard to say anything coherent or interesting about the work I do.
BEN WHISHAW