When I was growing up you would see big American films that really mythologised their landscape, that really showed the vastness and the drama of their country.

In 1977, hip-hop literally wasn't outside the boroughs. But I was profoundly aware of the city through films like Saturday Night Fever, The French Connection, and Network. I had a friend who visited New York, and I asked him what it was like. He said, "Oh, it's great. Just wear a coat and don't look anyone in the eye."

My father made sure that I had lots of levels of education – from ballroom-dancing to painting, commando training, theatre and magic.

The race is long but in the end it is only with YOURSELF.

I mean, '8 ½' to me is such a great dissertation on the whole, you know, act of filmmaking and creativity.

Accept certain inalienable truths.

The ugly duckling is a misunderstood universal myth. It's not about turning into a blonde Barbie doll or becoming what you dream of being; it's about self-revelation, becoming who you are.