Spaniards have lots of fascinating quirks and mannerisms. I used to marvel at Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz speaking in rapid Spanish to each other on set for Vicky Cristina Barcelona. I don’t know a word of the language, but you can almost work it out just by watching them. The look on their faces, their eyes and their body language gave most of it away.
Spain is a big treat for me. It had never appealed to me and was not somewhere I’d thought to visit, until I played a jazz concert there. The place was a surprise to me, particularly the fantastic food. You don’t hear enough about Spanish food.
Barcelona is enchanting. It’s a mix of modern and old. There are beautiful flowers and vegetation all over and then you suddenly come across very modern architecture. I find the Joan Miró Museum incredibly startling.
As a New Yorker, you really appreciate London. It is an ideal place to film because of the weather… cool and grey. Everything looks so pretty. Londoners may not feel the same, but when you live through the hot and humid summers of New York, it’s a relief.
My work is better received in Paris. I went there to write a book that was set in the city and I regret not staying longer, although I do struggle with the language. I’ve had more of a problem getting my movies seen in the States.
I miss the movie theatres of Brooklyn. The place is much safer now, but you used to only have to walk three blocks to go to a theatre, and that’s changed.
What to do in New York? Find yourself a Hamilton Beach coffee machine and make a malted milk. You need vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, half and half, and an excessive amount of malt powder. Pure heaven in a glass.
When you shoot a movie in New York, no one cares. In Spain, hundreds of people crowded around to watch. Shooting abroad creatively invigorates me. I love the whole experience of it.
Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona is on general release from 9 March and playing on selected flights.
British Airways flies to destinations around the world. Book a flight on ba.com now.
How long until there's a film about Obama? Read about all the presidents' films here.
