Interview

The director of Arabian Nights on Godard as the master of clash, "artisanal blockbusters," and why cinema is like electricity. 

The actor and writer joins us on the telephone from his Great Aunt Doris's home in Murray Hill. 

Talking with the author of The Other Paris about the attacks in France, how writing about Paris is different than writing about New York, and making peace with "aggressively repellent" buildings.

Speaking with the ceramicist and author of The White Road about how his work in writing and art influence and inform each other, bringing historical figures to life, and how to leave space in a book.

Talking with the author of A Strangeness in My Mind about writing about food and eating, urban exploration, and bringing the humanity of background characters to the fore.

The author of more than 300 children's books on spending a lifetime with a single character, the process necessary to produce three books a year, and talking to kids about death.

Talking with the actor and comedian also known as Neil Hamburger about keeping a repellent character authentic, the joys of creating intricate meta-comedy, and coping with a room full of boos.

The author of Cloud Atlas, The Bone Clocks and, most recently, Slade House, on supernatural forces and the ice in his heart.

Talking to the author of Paulina & Fran about forging female friendships, the connections you have to your partner's exes, and writing an appropriate orgasm metaphor.