Lust, that state commonly known as 'being in love,' is a kind of madness. It is a distortion of reality so remarkable that it should, by rights, enable most of us to understand the other forms of lunacy with the sympathy of fellow-sufferers. But, paradoxically, mad and suffering as one is, and the heat of the flame, few of us are glad as we feel that passion slip away No, while most people have been at their unhappiest when in love, it is nevertheless the state the human being yearns for above all.

I don't think I'm an unkind person, I don't think my books are unkind, and I don't think my readers are unkind.

What's difficult for American audiences is that they're used to a system here where you can get an actor for five years or even seven, and that is signed for at the audition. Whereas in England, no agent will give you an actor for more than three years.

I think every period - except for the 14th century, or something - has some merits.

I think I have a very detailed sense of observation. I am interested in the details of people's lives and what information these details give.

If you're in the movie or in television, your failures are very public, and so are your successes. You weigh them up against each other, really.

Vulgarity is no substitute for wit.