What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I don't know about perfect, but I'm happiest when I'm working.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Napoleon.

Which living person do you most admire?

My wife, for putting up with me.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

My short temper.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

An inability to agree with me.

What is your favorite journey?

Traveling to Venice by the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

On what occasion do you lie?

Backstage after a lousy show.

Which living person do you most despise?

All my unauthorized biographers.

What is your greatest regret?

Not having made more movies.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

What: cinema. Who: my wife.

Which talent would you most like to have?

The ability to sing like Andrea Bocelli and play piano like Glenn Gould.

What is your current state of mind?

Optimistic—as usual.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wouldn't mind being, say, 10 years younger—no, make it 15.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Not compromising in my profession.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

The Krakow ghetto.

What is your favorite occupation?

Watching my children grow.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Perseverance.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Courage.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Sincerity.

What do you most value in your friends?

The guts to tell me when I'm wrong—if I ever am!

Who are your favorite writers?

Shakespeare, Faulkner, Fitzgerald.

What are your favorite names?

Morgane, Marlon, Orson, Elvis.

What is it that you most dislike?

Airplane food.

What is your motto?

"Do it yourself."