There is a sort of theory that you should adapt bad books because they always make more successful films.

I love films. If I'd known how to get into or do it from the word go, I would have done that.

It's possible to disagree with someone about the ethics of non-violence without wanting to kick his face in.

Since my adaptation of Ian McEwan's 'Atonement,' I get sent a lot of novels that people think will work as movies. So every now and then I make a point of sitting down and reading a couple of them.

I find I have to give myself a day when I just shut myself off and do nothing but read.

I like L.A., but I think whats changed is that the kinds of films I do, the mid-range dramatic film, has become an endangered species.

I think there's something degrading about having a husband for a rival. It's humiliating if you fail and commonplace if you succeed.