"I hesitated for a bit before committing to the role because it sort of requires you to personify evil, and I don't know how you do that," Fiennes says. "I latched onto what was maybe crude psychology in working out Voldemort's obsession with Harry.

Harry was loved by his parents, which Voldemort can't stand. He is, of course, a rejected person. It's quite basic: the rejected child who's emotionally been denied affection turns violent. You have to suggest there's more there, a life, a spirit, a mind. It isn't just a creepy voice and makeup. I always think you can find more in something. It's good to just keep asking questions until someone says cut."