Robert Carlyle criticises American actresses

London: "The Full Monty" actor Robert Carlyle has blasted American actresses saying they shy away from "monstrous roles".

The 54-year-old BAFTA Award-winning actor believes that Americans, unlike their British counterparts, are reluctant to take on such roles, reported The Independent. "You don't see too many American actresses taking on monstrous roles. You offer that sort of part to a Hollywood actress and they wouldn't want to be seen in that light.

"But any actor worth their salt should look to confound audience expectations. It's why I asked Emma Thompson to play a crazy, psychotic part in 'The Legend of Barney Thomson' (which Carlyle stars in and directs)," he said.

According to the Scottish actor the actress' readiness to play the role represents the difference between British and American performers.

"I knew she (Emma Thompson) was a brave actress, she was a beautiful woman until we got that make-up on her. I think that adventurousness is what differentiates Brits from Americans," Carlyle said.