He was not a stupid man. He was managed by reasonably clever people who understood his value. But he was a figure in Quebec society of such eminence that you couldn't avoid using him politically. Much as we use (Wayne) Gretzky. No less or no more.

Sovereignty is back on the agenda.

I thought it was a reflection, not a whole reflection, because films never are. You know workers had English-speaking bosses who didn't condescend to speak their language. It still happens in Canada — and no longer in Quebec. You can argue, as I have, that Quebec had the power to rectify that situation any time it damn well chose.

There are different factions and backgrounds and points of view in the Conservative coalition.

He really understands the issues. He's a real Renaissance man.

I viewed my fellow man not as a fallen angel, but as a risen ape