People like bonnets. I don't think you can under-estimate that.

From time to time there is a move to do a little less in the way of period dramas, but people rebel. Audiences say we want them. There is a big hunger for them. I don't think it's sentimentality or nostalgia, it's often that they are simply the best stories.

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.

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

When you see two writers named on a movie, one of them did some drafts and got the boot.

I'm absolutely delighted if people think of me as a reliable purveyor of quality period stuff.

I'm not one of these people who say how much better American drama is than English. I find it mostly too American, except for The Sopranos, which I think is the best thing.