Vera Farmiga

When I look at female characters, I want to recognize myself in them: my trials, my tribulations as a mother, as a lover, as a daughter.

I'm saying that the depth of exploration of the male psyche and the female psyche is uneven. I see further, deeper renderings of what it means to be a man.

There are some times when I think acting can be a noble profession. And when those rare roles come along, like 'Down to the Bone,' you have the opportunity to be of service.

Am I ambitious? I used to be afraid of that word but now I think ambition is a good thing.

The limelight is a tricky place, because you can't believe what's going on around you. You stop observing. You stop perceiving. You stop extending yourself, and you become isolated.

You ought to have a perspective when you're making a film.

In the quiet moments, the discoveries are made.

The biggest research of all when I do a character is self-examination. You look at yourself and you ask, 'How am I similar to this person and how am I different?'

We take a lot for granted as second wave feminists, what our mothers and aunts did for us.

I, for one, am tired of seeing movies about men damaging each other.

I think the worst thing that can happen to a good actor is fame.

As an actor, you're sort of the court-appointed lawyer for the character.