Paul Dano

I've definitely been in ruts, and I think having some kind of perseverance is important.

The way Hollywood works, you're never sure if their first thought is to make a great film and honor the material or just another business property.

I'd love to do a really broad comedy at some point.

One of my favorite films is 'Dumb and Dumber.' I'd love to do some really silly comedy someday.

I know an actor who would play one type of part but could never get cast as tough. Once he got cast as tough, as a cop, he only got offered cop roles. It's a funny business in that regard. It's all about perception.

Sometimes I think your intellect can get in your way as an actor or an artist. When you come from a world of improv and comedy, you're able to let it flicker and fall out.

You look at the part in '12 Years A Slave,' you finish that script - I mean, it's a powerful story. You go, 'Man, I have to play a bad character in this.' And then you go, 'Well, do I want to play a bad character and contribute to a good story?'

I'm not a big shopper. I'm a pretty simple dresser, and that's not my pleasure go-to thing, looking for clothes.

I like the idea of finding parts that I know I can do but I don't totally understand them right away.

I started acting pretty young, so I haven't had too many odd jobs. But I used to sell candy out of my locker in middle school.

I'd always been fascinated by people who allow themselves to be so rude and irritated and foul-mouthed and hostile, but usually you can sense there's something vulnerable beneath them - a shield they use to protect that vulnerable side. Finally, when they expose that soft spot, it's kind of touching.

I think that one of the strangest things about being an actor is, it's almost freelance work.