The World according to.., interview with The Independent, 01.04.04

JPEG - 384.7 kb

The Independent Review, Thursday 1 April 2004.

What irritates you most about living in the UK? Nobody is perfect. I must admit to a weakness for the UK and her people, so I’m a bit hard-pressed for an answer. I guess I find it irritating at times when the British cease to be true to their character, when their sense of humour fails them. Incidentally, does anyone still think that when there’s fog in the Channel, the Continent is isolated ?

What is the best quality of the British?

I’d say their gift for understatement and pregnant pauses, their ability to compress the maximum of thought in the minimum of words. And their capacity to display strength through self-deprecation.

Are there too many English people in France?

Of course not. Britons are most welcome in France : over half a million of them have houses there ; 1,800 British companies have crossed the Channel. The contribution they’ve made to local communities is greatly appreciated.

Currant bun or pain au raisin?

Both actually. And toast as well. Don’t you like to have your cake and eat it?

Should smoking be banned in public places?

We should spare no effort to fight lung cancer.

What would you put on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square, opposite Nelson’s Column?

Actually a statue of Napoleon would be quite nice. If, however, for some unfathomable reason, this weren’t possible, then I’d go for a tribute to the Entente Cordiale.

Do you really like Johnny Hallyday?

I do, indeed, I’ve always liked him. He is tremendously popular with all kinds of audiences and his successful career has already spanned over 40 years.

What’s your favorite film?

Jules et Jim, by François Truffaut.

What can the French teach the British?

French. It’s important that people continue to learn foreign languages. In a globalised world, everybody needs to be at home in several cultures. Learning a foreign language is key in this respect, it provides an irreplaceable opening to different ways of thinking, and fosters tolerance. The alternative is for foreigners to continue to butcher the English language.

Should Waterloo Station change its name?

Why not? Though not if it means we have to rename Austerlitz station in Paris.

Where do you go on holiday?

Somewhere I can be with my family, and without a phone.