In the first place, I'm pretty thorough about whom I choose. I instinctively look for the kind of actor who is going to be trusting. There are all kinds of insecure people out there called actors.

Independent filmmaking has always been there and it's not to be forgotten.

The problem with the British film industry is the nervousness and insecurity about - and genuflection toward - Los Angeles.

You will find hardly any improvising on camera anywhere in my films. It's very structured, but it's all worked out from elaborate improvisations over a long period, as you know.

My job apart from anything else is to build an ensemble composed of actors who all come from a secure place so that they can all work together to make the film.

Films are made all over the world all the time and only a thin slice of that product is Hollywood.

I hope I make films where you walk away . . . with work to do, arguments to have, things to worry about, things to care about. In that sense, I would regard what I do as political.