But in the UK, I've given up any hope of being considered a director.

How do we get a pantomime cow on set. Jeez, the rigours of satire.

I directed before I was even in television; I directed in the theatre for seven years, so that was my trade anyway. But in the UK, I've given up any hope of being considered a director.

I don't think London has been given enough credit in a lot of the movies that we make here.

I never met Barbara Cartland. But now that I'm working on her life, I wish I had. I think there was a lot of pathos in it and I'm intrigued by her.

It's a pragmatist's business, comedy. Start off with good intentions and references to the Pompidou Centre and you end up with boiled sweets and a pantomime cow.

The funny thing is, London is an incredibly interesting city. It's very sexy and it's very different, with the Thames winding through it like a snake.

Don't breathe to survive

Yes, in all my research, the greatest leaders looked inward and were able to tell a good story with authenticity and passion.

Reluctant hero, drafted again each Fourthof July, I'll bow and remember you. Whoshall we follow next? Who shall we killnext time?

But it doesn't stop at school. We can all enjoy books throughout our lives - as I certainly continue to do.

A religion that doesn't discriminate wouldn't exist, because it wouldn't stand for anything.

Some day I want to play a grandmother. And a foxy one at that!

It often comes down to the people that you get to work with, and to match or enhance their creation. I tend to fall in love with whatever project we are involved in at the moment.

God howls with laughter at earthly plans, you know?

To a resolute mind, wishing to do is the first step toward doing. But if we do not wish to do a thing it becomes impossible.

I think when the music and the product is amazing, people buy it.