304 Quotes by Ian Mckellen

2D looks so flat. Well, it is, of course, it’s flat. But 3D isn’t. And for an adventure story that takes you into a long-distant, fictional world, it’s ideal, I think.

The thing you notice here after America is how refreshingly ordinary people look, because they haven’t had their chin wrapped around the back of their ears.

It is so painful watching yourself act, particularly because you can’t do anything about it, it’s all done and dusted.

I think I’m a bit gruffer than I used to be, and I’m certainly older.

My reaction to 3D is subtly. Things don’t come out at you, but rather you – The audience come into the film.

A few years ago, a friend said to me: “You do realize, Ian, when X-Men and Lord of the Rings come out, your life will totally change?” I didn’t know what he was talking about, but he was right. My life has totally changed – but in a good way. Unbeknownst to me, it’s given me a lot more confidence.

I suspect the base that I’m working from is not particularly one of inquiry, but of memory of what I did last time.

I’m not experienced enough, or certain enough of my acting on the screen to say to a director, “You are wrong, I am right. I will only do it this way.” I could never feel that, I wish I could be absolutely certain. But on the stage, it’s different. I know where I am on the stage.

I headed out to have a breather at the stage door, dressed in my tramp costume. I had my bowler hat between my feet and there were passers-by, and one of them turned back and said, ‘Do you need help, brother?’ And $1 fell into my hat!