That's exactly what I'm driving at. 'Basterds' was interesting because it was, in a way, unfamiliar. I thought well, OK. Let's leave the comfort zone and just risk it. Why not? Because, exactly as you said, in a way, by taking that risk, I make up a little bit for my ignorance in the subject, or rather, the genre.

It's the economics, that's why opera is not dying but gets more and more difficult to put on.

I think in Europe, movies are made like a commodity and then sold as art.

For a while, I couldn't decide whether or not I should pursue singing in the opera or acting. And I'm glad that I chose the latter because I wasn't a very good singer.

If the shoe fits, you must wear it.

I think Stephen Sondheim is a - and I hardly ever use this word - but this is as close as it gets to a genius.

I have always been so interested in film as a medium.