Citations

[on why he continued pursuing ballet despite the mockery] - "The other boys called me 'poof', 'ballerina boy', "Get on your tutu, Jamie." It gave me more determination to prove it wasn't just for girls. It was for boys as well."

[on winning awards, after he won the British Academy award] "It's just an award although it is a big one. It is no good getting too big-headed. I've been very busy and I'm very tired. I've been given advice, you know on speech-making and things like that. It's kind of weird that the other guys didn't win because they're such big guys."

(It's true that) most British movies are emotional and I agree that most American actors look manufactured. It's a shame.

Ballet is very hard. It takes a lot of practice to get to a certain standard. You have to know a lot about the steps because when you take examinations they'll ask you all about it.

"(Billy Elliot (2000)) got that (R-rating) because of the swearing. But it wouldn't be what it was without the swearing, kids need to swear".

I'm a hard-mouthed north-eastern lad. That's me - the Eminem of Northeast England.

You probably won't see me dance in the movies again unless there's a 'Moulin Rouge 2' or 'Chicago Returns'.

I hate maths. I can't stand it. Circumferences of circles and stuff - it's horrible.

[assured fans he won't suffer the same fate] "I wouldn't do a Macaulay. I have sensible people around me. I see this industry as a risky business. The money thing has always been in my control. I have always had people looking after it for me. I do love buying things - stupid gadgets. I'll say, 'I want one of them.' But I do the sensible thing, knuckle down, do some good work and keep a low profile."

(on Hollywood) "I go because that's where the work is, but I like, use and abuse. I fly in for the meetings, then fly out. That community is really small, so everybody knows each other. I kind of don't like that. It's not really a community I feel very welcome in."

(why he picks roles based on directors) "I love looking down my résumé and seeing all those great people on it like David Gordon Green, and of course Peter Jackson and Stephen Daldry. When I look at it, I feel very proud for myself and the people around me who have managed to get me these roles."

I think I became my own person dealing with my mother and sister. I never had a father figure so I never missed it. In fact, I thought it would be just another person to discipline me.

I can understand why everyone sees me as Billy Elliot; it was the first thing I did, so I was determined to take the most diverse route possible. It wasn't to annoy people, but it seems to have upset so many people.

I know people think that if you've had success young, you're going to blow it, but did you see "Batman" (Le chevalier noir (2008)), did you see Christian Bale? He's so on top of his game. I've worked with a Culkin - Rory Culkin, he's a totally centered guy and he's something ridiculous, like 15. Whatever happened with Macaulay Culkin I don't know. The kid isn't messed up. Something happens to the kid to make them messed up. People are not born messed up. Things happen. People should be more sensitive.

Inner demons? Got none of them. I had teen angst for a while, but I think every teenager has the angst.

The young generation of actors are lazy. They don't do any work. They turn up, and say their lines. I would rather get better at what I do.

It's fortunate that I don't have to live with being Ballet Boy any more. After this I'll be called the nipple-circling dress-wearer or Rat Boy. - On his character Hallem Foe.

It makes no real difference because he was never there. Never having it (support from father), you don't really miss it. (My mother) raised me and my sister herself. That was incredibly difficult.

I think it would have ruined my life. Can you imagine going back to school on Tuesday after winning an Oscar? You'd be nuts. It's unsafe in this industry for a young person. You need to be protected and to keep good people around you - On missing out an Academy Award nomination for Billy Elliot (2000).

Learning my skill was more important than getting a big pay cheque or running away from big robots.

I can appreciate the spotlight and pressure Heath was under. There is a feeling that, however supportive your family is, you are very much on your own in this business. I cannot pretend to know what was going on in his life. I can imagine how he felt. The film business is wonderful and I love it. But the flip side is that the expectations are very big . . . don't get ill and don't get depressed. - On Heath Ledger and the pressures of working too much.

I have grown in confidence. And I do like to think I know the difference between confidence and arrogance.

My biggest fear was that I would not be able to take the step from a child actor to an adult.I think it happened when I was able to play a soldier in La tranchée (2002), set in the trenches of the first world war. The film didn't quite work out - it was a very good movie, almost - but I think that got me up and running as a grown-up actor.

[on filming Les aventures de Tintin: Le secret de la Licorne (2011): The Secret of the Unicorn] There were times when I didn't think I could do another take, but it does help to know your way through the pain. I am not an old man by any means, but when you are in a [motion-capture] suit and helmet, it is not the most comfortable environment.

I like being able to hide behind the characters I play. I like to be an elusive and anonymous actor.

I'm not delusional. I know I'm 5'7" with slightly jug ears.