With Kubrick and most film directors, they are in complete control, but one can influence them.

What I felt at that time - we're talking about '61 - was that I couldn't remember seeing a film that reflected the age we were living in.

I always wanted to design for films.

I'm an incurable romantic, and 'Casablanca''s one of the most romantic pictures I've ever seen - the combination of Bogart and Bergman is just magical.

A studio allows me more freedom. You can create your own sort of reality which is actually more exciting than shooting on location. You can conjure up a complete atmosphere of escapism for the public.

The cinema is there to heighten the imagination; I have always tried to make sure it does so.

I have never been sorry to see my sets being struck, provided they are well photographed. They're not works of art but part of making a film.