Film veteran Christopher Walken is flattered people are scared of him - because it means his villainous performances are convincing.

The CATCH ME IF YOU CAN star has played evil roles in most of his movies and would be offended if his films didn't affect the way the public perceive him in real life.

He says, "90 per cent of the characters I get to play are bad guys. I think people respect me, but they're always wondering if there's something innately mean inside me.

"But I take it as a compliment that audiences get caught up with the characters I play. When I play a villain, I want people to be scared and gripped by the character. That's the art, that's the desired effect. You want people to think that you're one horrible motherf**ker."

22/10/2004 19:30