The most important thing in the face is the eyes, and if you can make the eyes talk, you're halfway there.

The most important thing in the face is the eyes, and if you can make the eyes talk, you're halfway there.

You can tell (he's upset) when he gets that look in his eyes. When you see that look, you know. But he doesn't let things get to him. We trust what he says and we know what he says is right.

If everyone's ready for a shot to start, except for one actor who's intent on getting to the bottom of their soul, it can be a bit annoying.

'Whatever it takes' is my opinion of method acting and, indeed, any other kind of acting. Look at Brando and De Niro. But it's not my cup of tea.

I get a lot of fan mail addressed to Bilbo and sometimes Sir Bilbo - it's hardly ever addressed to Ian Holm, in fact. My business manager drafts the replies, and then I pop in to the office and sign them, 'Bilbo!'