If you have distance from the events, then your story can work as an analogy or parable, rather than its literal narrative.

Sometimes you are lucky enough to get offered things and there is no rhyme or reason.

I am not a politics wonk. I like the idea of my writing reflecting more about who I am or other people.

When you make a choice as a writer about what it is you want to write, and what it is you're going to spend six months thinking about, you have to fall in love.

I don't want to direct. I have no directing ambition whatsoever. And as long as I meet filmmakers like Tom Hooper, Stephen Frears, and others who allow that collaboration, I can't see why I would ever want to direct.

I just try and do something good. But as a writer, you're slightly out of control.

If you have distance from the events, then your story can work as an analogy or parable, rather than its literal narrative.