"Well maybe we oughta just think that through. See, if I'm the kind of man that would gun down his own best friend, what'd you think I do to some guy I don't even like when he starts throwing accusations my way. What'd you think?" - Shane Walsh / The Walking Dead / S2E6

I think one's presence on the stage is still a mark of acting prowess, of talent, of superiority. And for good reason, because it's very difficult to do things live. For me, at least, it's very difficult, I don't like doing it. I won't do it. Unless I absolutely have to. So having stories that would traditionally be told in a live setting, on a stage, instead be in film format, that's best for me. I have always really liked Macbeth, it is near and dear to my heart, as a proud Scotsman, but I thought I would never be able to perform it professionally because of my aversion to live theater. I love the language, I love what Justin [Kurzel] did with the atmosphere and the visuals. Being Banquo on film was a privilege.

@franktenney: relaxing is hard

I have always been drawn to the in-between characters, figures that occupy the liminal space between hero and villain. I like especially when the audience's opinion has to shift from one to the other. There's a bit at the end of Chronicles [of Riddick] where you're definitely rooting for Vaako, even though he's been after your hero the whole film. I think Mason Verger has similar qualities; he's despicable, but then he gets payback for that, and almost becomes a sympathetic character. But I think everyone on Hannibal occupies that liminal space at one point or another. It is all very grey territory, and I love to play the grey.