[on his working relationship with brother Ben Affleck] It was easy mostly because we kind of just spoke the same language and were very comfortable saying to each other, “I think that’s a terrible idea . . . ” or “That’s a great idea but what if . . . ?” We could sort of build on each other’s excitement. We had a kind of shorthand.

I believe veganism can be beneficial for the individual and the world, and of course the animal, but belief is like laying in the dark with someone and telling them you love them and hearing nothing back. So I’ve never had the confidence to get on a soapbox and tell someone else what to do

I love taking a risk. If I’m a little bit afraid of a part, that’s the first indication that it’s going to be good for me. If I can’t find that element of risk in the material, I always hope that the director is going to be open to taking chances. With this movie [‘Out of The Furnace’] I was lucky enough to have both elements. The material was different, difficult and a little bit scary. As a director Scott [Cooper] fostered an environment where risk was the common currency. We knew we were going to take risks, even if it meant making mistakes. And that’s the best kind of experience.

All cultures are different. Some commit genocide. Some are uniquely peaceful. Some frequent bathhouses in groups. Some don’t show each other the soles of their shoes or like pictures taken of them. Some have enormous hunting festivals or annual stretches when nobody speaks. Some don’t use electricity.

I love getting ready to do a scene, and thinking about it, and talking about it. But the rest of the time, I’m so nervous and obsessed. I’m just tearing my hair out in the trailer. The whole time I’m really tense.