Each of my book arrives at a form and a style that is appropriate to the subject.

The only distinction I'd make is between film and telly, I guess. "Film," "movies," and "cinema" are all synonyms as far as I'm concerned; but telly is different. It's just a plodding we've-done-this-scene, we've-done-that-scene and it never becomes this new other thing.

Nine times out of 10, the most charming thing to say in any given situation will be the exact opposite of what one really feels.

Each of my book arrives at a form and a style that is appropriate to the subject.

All the best essays are epistemological journeys from ignorance or curiosity to knowledge.

Like most writers I spend a lot of my time sort of thinking, "It's such agony, I can't do it."

Quite often, ambition operates on a level of irritation. Not even jealousy, just irritation.