I knew it was a great film, but I didn't expect it to get the attention it did because none of his other films had and I thought they were just as good. Of course, I didn't know what it was about until I saw it in the cinema because of the way that he works — but I knew it was good. That it reached a wider audience surprised me.

Brenda Blethyn

I think behind closed doors people behave differently no matter what period we're looking at, because people have to stand up straight in public but can slouch behind closed doors - can you imagine wearing those corsets?

Brenda Blethyn

doors people thinking

Anything where people have to work together makes me cry.

Brenda Blethyn

working-together together people

Even if I hadn't have been nominated for an Oscar, to have won the Golden Glove was just fantastic.

Brenda Blethyn

golden gloves oscars

I've made six films since I made Secrets and Lies but I still live in London and I'd love to do theater.

Brenda Blethyn

london secret lying

I think people often confuse success with fame and stardom.

Brenda Blethyn

fame people thinking

I've done a lot of costume drama and theatre - the National Theatre and In fact, most of my work at the theatre, at the National Theatre anyway, was period.

Brenda Blethyn

theatre done drama

I've never done a big studio film, I've only ever done little ones.

Brenda Blethyn

film done littles

In fact at home I sometimes like to be quiet and hear the sounds of the world outside.

Brenda Blethyn

sound home world

When I left drama school, there were dozens of rep theatres you could apply to where you got a good training.

Brenda Blethyn

training drama school

I always think 12 times before saying anything.

Brenda Blethyn

thinking

I hate that people think going to the theatre is a special occasion. I wish people would treat it as normally as going to the cinema.

Brenda Blethyn

hate people thinking

I always considered myself very successful even before the success of Secrets and Lies.

Brenda Blethyn

congratulations success lying

People say to me that I cant be nervous because Ive had such a wealth of experience, but I tell them that I have never done this particular part before.

Brenda Blethyn

wealth done people

Everyone the world over talks about British actors and British talent and I think thats because we were trained - until now - in theatre.

Brenda Blethyn

theatre actors thinking

My dad gave me threepence to pay the fine but I spent it on a Wagon Wheel

Brenda Blethyn

wagon-wheels dad pay

At the risk of sounding naff, it is having hope fulfilled.

Brenda Blethyn

having-hope fulfilled risk

Maybe wanting to retire is my ambition.

Brenda Blethyn

my-ambition retiring ambition

Before every performance, I think I am about to keel over.

Brenda Blethyn

keel performances thinking

I like the enthusiasm but not the insincerity of Los Angeles.

Brenda Blethyn

insincerity los-angeles enthusiasm

The academy awards in England; it's a classy affair as well.

Brenda Blethyn

affair awards england