Counter: 1 minute in the mind of Eric Stoltz

> How do you relax?

Basically, I am a lazy sod. I like to read and make phone calls but, oddly, I do love doing the laundry. I've never done any ironing in my life, I'd rather go around wrinkled, but there's something about the ritual of doing the washing. I also love to travel.

> A bit of a sucker for road trips then?

Well, I'm American. I like nothing better than burning fossil fuels.

> Still playing the piano?

Yeah, sure. Only at home, though. In hotels, the pianos always tend to be stuck in lobbies and I'm afraid my tip jar would remain empty. I love music. I used to play the trumpet and a little guitar. I grew up in a very musical family. My sister is an opera singer; my mother, a teacher, played the violin; and my father, also a teacher, sang in the chorus as an amateur dramatist.

> Tell us about Scotland

I filmed The House of Mirth there, which was great - I've always thought it a beautiful place. I've been a few times now. I first went with a rep company when I was at college back in 1982. We did 10 plays at the Edinburgh Festival. Being a vegetarian, I had a bit of a rough time with all the hearty food. No haggis for me.

>What about the kilts?

I spent a lot of time in a kilt filming Rob Roy, where I played a Scot. Kilts are comfortable as hell and the big leather boots that go with them make the whole effect quite butch. I really hope they come back into style - although when I wore one I did end up covered in bites. I was like a buffet for midges.

>Do you believe in love at first sight?

I'm much more cautious. I find it difficult to get involved with anyone I don't know well. If there is an attraction, I prefer to know if they're a Nazi or whether they've murdered someone. I assume the worst, so I like to know some background.

> Why haven't you married yet?

I have found it difficult making a commitment. It is a big step.

> Have you any unfulfilled ambitions?

Yeah I'd like to tile. I've never done any grouting and I really think I should tile a bathroom or kitchen before it's too late.

"The House of Mirth" is currently showing in cinemas nationwide.