Eric Bana

I'm a bit of a romantic.

I fell in love with many women at school who had no idea I existed. I'm a bit of a romantic.

The movies people don't talk about or remember after six months' time don't really matter.

I guess I'm a very keen observer, and I'd like to think I have a good imagination.

The darker the film, the more vital everyone's sense of humor is on set.

If you're lucky enough to be involved in a film that's about something very real and that you hope will continue to hold up in 20 years' time it just gives you more energy and makes it feel all the more worthwhile.

It's always been my hope, as an actor, to reveal only what is relevant about myself to the work.

I love being at home, being with friends and family. I'm of European stock, brought up in Australia. I'm a passionate guy. I just love life.

When I shoot I'll take my family with me - one movie a year and then the rest of the time at home.

When I go on the plane to fly home, I'm literally capable of forgetting what I do for a job. That also comes about because I choose to take massive breaks between projects, and because I choose to do this ridiculous thing of keeping home, home.

I race historic muscle cars back in Australia, and that's my hobby. And I try to race home as soon as I've finished a movie but don't tell anyone.

I've always been attracted to cars, and driving is a completely measurable experience: if you qualify last on the grid, you're the slowest, and if you qualify first on the grid, you're the fastest. So no one can say you're slow if you're fast and no one can say you're fast if you're slow.

I hate being clean-shaven. My daughter gets very upset if I shave and says, 'Bring back the spikes, Dad.'

I have a theory that I really want my kids to know - the only coloration that they make between dad being in films and reality is just a lot of people doing a lot of hard work.

When you're shooting a film, you really don't get to be a dad, and you don't really get to be a husband. You don't really exist at all. But I do drag my family with me on location whenever I can.

Over my lifetime, the car had actually transcended the fact that it is a car. It has become a venue.

I've always been a bit of a car freak.

I wanted to be a mechanic. When I was 14 I wanted to quit school and go work on my car. But my dad said Son, you shouldn't do that. You should stay in school until your education is finished, and when you're done, don't make your hobby your job.

I look my best when I take my helmet off after a long motorcycle ride. I have a glow and a bit of helmet hair.

I think the beauty of working with young people is they remind you of the spirit of acting and it's just a big play.