Like me, you were born on March 31, 1971. In your opinion, what is the best thing about being born on that day? And make it a deep answer-feel, don't think.
EM: Silly arse! What do you mean, "Don't think"? It's only going to be printed up in the magazine and read by millions! Next!

What would be your advice to an aspiring actor such as myself?
EM: It's funny, I never even considered an alternative to acting. I never imagined that it wouldn't work out. So I suppose my advice to you is just to be arrogant. Arrogant and jammy-it worked for me!

Nora is your first film as producer. How long has it taken to come to fruition and are you pleased with the results?
EM: Well, in terms of the whole life of the project, I've been with it for about four years now, not only as an actor, but also as co-producer. It's actually our first feature for Natural Nylon (Ewan's production company with chums Jonny Lee Miller, Jude Law and Sean Pertwee) and, having lost the film two times before, it was great to finally do it. And I think that it's one of the most interesting and challenging things I've ever done-you know, a true, passionate love story. I really am fiercely, fiercely proud of the end result.

Was playing the role of James Joyce a frightening prospect?
EM: There was such an awful lot riding on it. I mean, it was brilliant to do, but also very difficult, because you're playing someone who was alive. Almost like when I had to play Nick Leeson (Rogue Trader). But Leeson was easier to get hold of, because there were videotapes available, and also there's a public preception of him that's on a level. Whereas, when you're talking about Joyce, his status means that there's a huge difference of opinion, especially in Ireland where there are just so many different schools of thought on him. So yes, it was very challenging. Essentially, I had to portray an icon

Any tips on growing a beard?
EM: Let it flow! Let it run wild! Be free! Be manly!

This Christmas I was given some underwear with you, as Obi-Wan Kenobi, plastered all over them.How strange is it for you to know that your face graces my pants on a daily basis?
EM: f***** h***! What a f**** brilliant question! Although I'm glad you said it was your pants-and not anything else-that I grace. Basically I'm flattered. What else can I say?

What do you make of your Star Wars figure? Is it realistic?
EM: It's so funny how muscly and fit I am. But the, I think those things are quite well market-researched and that there's a fair amount of, "What's going to sell?" I mean, let's face it, a real doll of me probably wouldn't sell very well at all. Of that I'm quite sure.

If there was ever going to be an alternative, Brit pop soundtrack album to the next Star Wars, which bands would you have appear on it?
EM: Gomez, Beth Orton, and The Chemical Brothers. That would be a f**** awesome combination.

What is your opinion of Jar Jar Binks? Honestly.
EM: I think that the goal with Jar Jar Binks was to create a spectacular piece of animation and, in that respect he is a tremendous success. Read into that what you will, but at the end of the day, I'm great friends with the guy who plays him, Ahmed Best, so there's no way I'm going to start slagging him off.

I've heard that Anakin and Obi-Wan fall out in Episode II. So, given your recent history, would Leonardo DiCaprio be the ideal casting?
EM: As far as the plot goes, I know very, very little. I mean, you can piece things together, but I haven't even seen a script and, as far ask I know, they are still casting that role. And in terms of the whole Leonardo thing, I have absolutely no hard press or feelings about him. He's a fine actor. Honestly…that's true.

After The Beach bust up, are you going to work with Danny Boyle and co. ever again?
EM: That all depends. I don't know what they're up to at the moment and I was very surprised to read that if the new film didn't work out then they'd split up. That's a very strange thing to say, almost blaming each other. But, when they've sorted everything out, who knows?

Did your character die at the end of Shallow Grave, or did he live to spend the money?
EM: I think he lived and went to jail. I like to think that the smile on my face at the end, where I say, "Hello Inspector," is because I've got the money, and when I get out of jail I'm going to come back and live it up.

Was it really you doing that cartwheel in A Life Less Ordinary? {If it was you, great form!}
EM: Yes, that was me! I do a wicked cartwheel or at least, I like to think so. It actually came out of Danny seeing me do it when we were rehearsing the dancing with Cameron {Diaz}. He liked it and put it in the movie.

What annoys you most?
EM: Cockroaches-nippy little bastards, one and all.

You seem to pair British movies against bigger budget Hollywood productions. Is this intentional?
EM: No, not at all. I'm not very career minded in that sense. There's no real plan-I'm driven by characters and stories. And it's funny the way things hav gone, how lucky I've been, in that different projects have mapped out at just the rigth time. In that way, I've been very jammy, really.

If you could start a rock band, what would you name it?
EM: I've always wanted to have a band called The Juicy Meatballs, because of the great American movie, Breaking Away with a very young Dennis Quaid. At one point, one of the characters pours some meatballs into his cat's dish and says to it, "Mmm Felix, juicy meatballs." And I can just imagine going on stage and shouting, "Hello London! We are The Juicy Meatballs!" I think that would be unreal.

It has been reported that you have acquired the rights to the classic Alfie. Is this true? If so what are your intentions with regards to filming a remake?
EM: You know, I hear about so many things that I'm apparently doing, about his project or that project, but the simple answer is, "No." I would never have the audacity to touch Alfie, to touch something so perfect. It's a ridiculous idea. It would be an insult to Michael Caine and the filmakers, and it has never even crossed my mind.

In an interview about your latest movie, Eye of the Beholder, you said you stalked random people on the street, just to see how easy or difficult it would be. Did you ever get caught?
EM: I didn't get caught doing it. I did get recognized though, but thankfully not when I was in stalking mode. It's quite interesting to do, but incredibly difficult-particularly following cars, because you have to deal with traffic and all sorts. Actually, I bought a telescope as well and I used to look through people's windows from my flat. Now that is really good fun, It's amazing what some people do with their curtains open….

What have you regretted recently?
EM: Not being able to come to this year's Empire Awards, of course. It's usually a hell of a good party and also my mum was there. She left me a message afterwards, weeping and saying, "You should have been there son, you should have been there," but next year I will be. You can count on it.

How have you found the whole fatherhood thing so far?
EM:Obviously, it's a wonderful, beautiful experience. But in general, I think there's a tendency to be terribly, terribly liberal about the whole thing and bring up a generation of spoiled brats. Manners are so important, and I'm very aware of that so, as well as being rewarding, at the same time it can be really hard work too.

What does your wife think about all the crazy female fans?
EM: What crazy female fans? You know, it's funny-everyone thinks it's like being a rock star, with women barging down your trouser door. But it could not be more different. I ride to work every day on my motorbike and there's never anyone at the studio gate. Every morning I arrive and think, "Where the f*** are they?" {laughs} So it's not really A reality.

Do you get tired of people bringing up the nudity issue?
EM: I honestly don't care. I mean, it's fair enough- if you were to drop your pants in the office or wherever you work, people would talk about it 'til the end of time'. So I understand where it comes from. But never done it just to show my c***- it has always been part of the story. So I don't worry about it at all.

In Episode II, will you be showing off your knob, as you seem to do in most films?
EM: Only if I can get away with it {laughs for a long time}.