I think that London is very much like that. I find there's humour in the air and people are interesting. And I think that it's a place which is constantly surprising. The worst thing about it? I think it can be smug and aggressive.

Something like Shakespeare in Love, which became such an established hit that it now seems like a foregone conclusion... but it really wasn't. The script was around for a very, very long time and had people chickening out all the time.

Because I am an Englishman I spent most of my life in a state of embarrassment.

I would rather five people knew my work and thought it was good work than five million knew me and were indifferent.

I don't know if this qualifies as gentle reassurance, but right now this is all that stands between me and a Harley-Davidson.

I have almost no memory of them [St. Trinian's films]. I don't think I've seen them since I was quite young. I was a bit frightened of the girls. I fancied them. Even though I was young, I found them attractive and rather frightening. I've always been attracted to frightening girls! I'm married to one!

I love you even when you're sick and look disgusting.