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.

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

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.

If I love you, is that a fact or a weapon?

The taste of Scotch, though Guy didn’t much care for it, was pleasant because it reminded him of Anne. She drank Scotch, when she drank. It was like her, golden, full of light, made with careful art.

The little windflower, whose just opened eye is blue as the spring heaven it gazes at.

Accept that your life is going on beyond your usual understanding.

One drop of hatred left in the cup of joy turns the most blissful draught into poison.

There is real beauty in my eyes when I lose my mind.

Classics can be phenomenal when done right. A simple roast chicken dish could be the best thing you ever eat.

I was a little worried that the familiarity would be a little weird, but I think for me everything is musical in my life. For me, timing is a rhythm.

Looks like a sand pile my kids have been playing in for a long time - it's all beat up - no definition - just a lot of bumps and holes.