Quotes About Drama

'Prison Break' on Netflix has generated a whole new generation of viewers.

Regardless of the success of a drama or film, I will be satisfied if viewers say that my acting has progressed and has gained more depth.

In a way, 'Lost,' or maybe TV in general, is a kind of a contract between the writers and the viewers. And the actors - of course we have a great deal to do with it - but where the drama's made, sort of where the meeting of minds is, is between those two parties: writers and audience.

I think once you do the unexpected, and you take the viewers to a position of discomfort about being able to rely on characters surviving, then it does completely affect the way in which the drama is viewed.

Shootouts are spectacular for the viewers and they are interesting for the players.

There are lots of great characters in fiction who viewers and readers have engaged with that behave badly. Great characters can be unfaithful. They can lie and cheat.

We need to look to our laurels a bit with television in this country. I don't think enough risks are being taken in drama television in the U.K., and I think a lot of programme makers are underestimating the intelligence of the viewing public, basing it all on ratings.

I think if people stick with 'The Leftovers,' it's a very rewarding viewing experience. I wanted to be part of that - and what a great cast we got. I wanted to be one of those actors, in that show!

The tabloids had a field day with 'Tipping The Velvet,' which was great for the viewing figures but not necessarily for the actors involved.

From a dramatic viewpoint, there are few professions that grant their members entry into other lives, high among them cops, doctors, clergymen, journalists and prostitutes. Perhaps that explains why they figure in so much television and cinema. Their lives are lived in the midst of human drama.

Even when you're making a movie about life, death is a presence, and I guess it's part of my dramatic viewpoint. I'm not sure why exactly. Maybe I'm drawn to it as a story element.

Before, there were only four pay per views throughout the whole year. Guys who were doing soap opera storylines could build them up week after week. We had longevity, and that is one of the main reasons why people remember.

A lot of these types of films - the vigilante or revenge drama - were so popular in the '70s because there was a feeling in the culture of loss of control.

The growth of art seems to be in cycles, and often its vigorous lifetime is restricted to a century or two. The periods of distinctive drama, Greek, English, Spanish, fall within such a limit; the schools of painting and sculpture likewise; and, in poetry, the Victorian age or the school of Pope will serve as examples.

I think if I hadn't been born in a pit village I'd have been part of a dramatic society.

You can't always play the hero. You have to play the villain.

We need the villain sometimes. It makes for an interesting story.

I want to play a villain - I can't wait to play a villain.

I like playing the villain.

A villain number is a very valuable thing to have, but if you look at most musicals, one way or another there's an antagonist number.

I think everybody likes to play the villain. They're always much more interesting characters.

I'd love to play a villain in BBC drama 'Sherlock' - some sort of evil, slinky blonde would be right up my street.

I've played the villain before, but my baddies have always entertained.

Playing the villain is great fun.