Q: When did you first come to Cannes and why?
I first came to Cannes in 1984 at the request of a producer who wanted to promote a film that was never made.

Q: What is your favourite Cannes film of all time and why?
I haven't a favourite as I have only seen one film at the festival, which was Robert Altman's The Player - a very accurate description of the Hollywood film industry.

Q: What is your greatest Cannes regret?
That I have never had a film in competition nor been asked to serve on the jury.

Q: What is your greatest extravagance when you are in Cannes?
I'm not an extravagant person, but at Cannes I'm forced to live in an extravagant way.

Q: What do you most enjoy about Cannes?
The opportunity to meet people from the global film industry.

Q: What do you most dislike about Cannes?
The fact that it is more of a market than a festival and unfortunately there are far too many people who shouldn't be involved in the film industry.

Q: What do you consider your greatest Cannes achievement?
When I went to Cannes as a presenter for German television and conducted all the interviews in German, English and French.

Q: Which word or phrase do you overuse in Cannes?
The words one overuses in Cannes out of politeness are: "You have made a remarkable film."

Q: Would you like to be invited to sit on or preside over the jury?
Yes.

Q: If you could have only been involved with one film, what film would it have been?
Any film with Gene Hackman - if there were a suitable role.

Q: What was the last film you paid to see?
The Devil's Advocate.

Q: What's the biggest film you've never seen?
Cleopatra.

Q: When was the last time you said you loved a film and not meant it?
Never. I'm always totally frank.

Q: What's your perfect Saturday night movie?
Any movie that I feel is worth seeing, but it doesn't have to be Saturday night.

Q: Which of this year's summer releases are you most looking forward to seeing?
Anything if Gene Hackman is in it.

Q: Which event taking place during the film year would you pay most to attend?
I would pay to see any film where the money raised from the screening went to relieve the plight of those tragic people who have suffered from ethnic cleansing.

Q: Which are your favourite festivals and markets?
I've been to a great number of festivals - San Sebastián is my favourite, and I was on the jury for the first festival in Avoriaz. Berlin I enjoy too, and festivals in Scandinavian countries.

Q: Are you happy with the treatment the media gives you and your company?
Generally speaking, yes. I have been treated very fairly in the world press and find them to be tolerant, reasonably accurate, well informed and friendly. The worst press is in one's own country.

Q: Petit Carlton or Carlton Terrace?
Carlton Terrace - I don't like crowded places and there is slightly more space and at least you're in the open air.