I started using film as part of live theatre performance - what used to be called performance art - and I became intrigued by film.

I made my first film on 16mm. Then I began using 35mm.Then I began working in Hollywood. And I began to really understand how films were made by professionals. I have to say I wasn't very impressed.

Obviously, I try to make the films work for an audience. That's the main point of making a film, and in retrospect, one can see that certain films, let's say Leaving Las Vegas, demonstrated its own success.

Films take up so much time, and with theatre, you do have to plan a period of time that you can be free.

I like to work my camera as if it were a musical instrument.

Then I became interested in drama, and almost by accident, I drifted into film.

There's a sadness to the human condition that I think music is good for. It gives a counterpoint to the visual beauty, and adds depth to pictures that they wouldn't have if the music wasn't there.