I suppose I have the tastes of someone who teaches at a university in the provinces.

I would love it if anyone gave me the job of adapting 'The Great Gatsby,' but nobody ever does.

Taking the humour out of Dickens, it's not Dickens any more.

The older I get, the more fun it is to write young people. It's just a holiday from what is becoming old age, really.

I used to have this Mercedes, a dark blue 450SLC, which was the most beautiful car. I'd like to have another unusual, beautiful car.

I prefer love scenes to be shot up close with a lot of focus on eyes and mouths. Otherwise it can feel uncomfortable and voyeuristic.

One of the things I've always thought is a drag in so many period adaptations is that they are always buttoned up to the neck in so many clothes all the time. I'm always looking for excuses to get them out of their clothes.