I get sent a lot of scripts which feature him as a kind of all-purpose Victorian literary character and really understand little, if anything, about him, his life or his books.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I try to research or make up for myself what happened in any character's life. From when he was born until the first page of the script. I fill in the blanks.
I studied Shakespeare in college, but not theatrically, more in terms of literature, and then I kind of took a break from it. Now there's resurgence in my appreciation for him. It's amazing: there are so many book titles and song titles that come just from lines that he wrote.
Dickens is a very underrated writer at the moment. Everyone in his time admired him but I think right now he's not spoken of enough.
I look for the character to be something interesting, the script to have a good story and be original, and a director that I admire.
William Trevor is an author I admire; his stories are subtle and powerful, and beautifully written.
Dickens writes such brilliant characters and stories, and his themes and social commentary are still so relevant. I think that's why he's still so loved today.
I admire Dickens beyond words. He is one of the greatest plotters of all times. Didn't have a clue about women, but he sure could plot.
I've always wanted to do a Crichton book. I really love his writing.
One of the things I really like about Victorian novels is the close anatomisation of character. People's gestures and mannerisms and the quality of their thought is very closely identified and analysed.
Every journalist has a novel in him, which is an excellent place for it.