Is it appropriate still for a German to have a gun? I only use that as an example of a country that's still deeply involved and engaged in the conversations about how to come to terms with the past. Certainly for that country, it's not forgotten.

Well, there are three different processes of making a film, of course. They're sort of re-written three times. You write it to start with, and then you shoot it and you re-write it while shooting and you sort of re-write it as you edit.

One of the great joys of my job is that you spend a huge amount of time investigating different areas of literature.

I have never been motivated by money in my life. You can't make choices based on what the financial return might be.

I am, in fact, Superman. Every morning I wake up and go into a telephone booth and change my costume, and then go to work.

I never want to make a film. I don't wake up in the morning going, 'Ooh, I'd really love to be on set making a film today'. I'm aware that other contemporary film directors perceive film-making as what they do, as what they have to do. But I would hope that I am more catholic in my tastes.

They're a redefinition of boredom... the most important thing you need to know about an awards show is where is the nearest smoking opportunity.