Veteran director Stephen Frears' latest film is  "Cheri," starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathy Bates and Rupert Friend.

Set in Belle Epoque-era Paris, in those last fragile years of excess before the outbreak of WW1, it's a sumptuous affair and Michelle Pfeiffer dazzles as a wealthy, retired courtesan who starts an affair with a rival's son.

Frears, who has been working in the movies for over 40 years sat down with me on a drab Monday morning in an office in Soho in London for a chat about his career. Chugging on an illicit cigarette, he talked about women, how important it is to follow your gut instincts, the art of directing and his fear that one day he will wake up and not be able to create the worlds he does.

Click here to read the feature or here to have a look through a picture gallery of stills from the film.