There were two sides to David Lean: on the one side, he was kind of a rather stiff, disciplined Englishman. And then he had this kind of romantic side to him. I think being true to both sides of your nature is important.
I think Bond the character is distinct: He’s British, he has a certain code that he lives by, he’s incorruptible… he’s a classical hero, but he’s also fallible. He has inner demons, inner conflicts, and he’s a romantic.
Scotsmen are metaphisical and emotional, they are sceptical and mystical, they are romantic and ironic, they are cruel and tender, and full of mirth and despair.
With While You Were Sleeping, it was so much fun and such a Cinderella story, that I didn’t want to do another romantic comedy. I wanted to do the opposite.
Truthfully, I almost avoided ‘While You Were Sleeping,’ because I find those romantic comedies kind of precious, and they’re full of lines that leave you feeling a little bewildered when you say them.
I heard this music coming out of the radio and it was ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Business.’ It got me. I thought, ‘I can do this.’ I decided just like that. No romantic story.
I think a nice romantic dinner should be saved for when you and the girl you’re dating or seeing have something special and it’s a more special occasion.
Romantic music really stirs my soul. And, of course, I love Chinese music it makes me feel closer to home.
I’m a very loyal boyfriend. I’m a bit of a joker… I can be romantic, but not too sickly.