Nic Roeg: interview

The director of ‘Don't Look Now’, ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’ and ‘Performance’ is a British cinema treasure and one of Time Out’s 40th birthday London heroes

See all Time Out's 40th birthday London heroes

What’s the biggest thing that’s happened in your field?
‘The explosion of abilities, technical and human, social and professional; and the values and understanding of the “rules” are changing, more in London than almost any other major city. Although the damage of corporate control is still a hidden danger to the progress of the arts, I think the tide is turning. Time Out can help.’

What’s your favourite moment in London?
‘When peace was declared in 1945 and the sirens were sounded for the last time. Hopefully.’

What’s the future of your field?
‘In a unique way multiculturalism has exploded in London, giving so much more opportunity for diverse and mixed artistic forms and mediums.’

What does Time Out mean to you?
‘I remember it starting with Tony Elliott. In fact, the name was the inspiration for the lyrics of a song I wrote for background effect music that Zoot Money sang in the nightclub scene in “Bad Timing”.’

Complete the sentence: London is…
‘…wonderfully ever-changing, like the universe.’

See all Time Out's 40th birthday London heroes

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