I used to pride myself on my ‘professionalism’, that even if I didn’t like a film, I could at least say I’d seen it and could talk about it. I’m still loath to walk out of a film, but sometimes there’s no justification for staying.

I take time off work each year to attend MIFF and while I could ostensibly see 100, I limit myself to 40. If I see a film is going nowhere, that’s it – I’m out of there. I’d rather save myself for something that’s worth my time. As you say, Thomas, life is too short.

I rarely walk out of theatrical release these days, largely because I’m so damn selective now about what to see. I’m sick of mediocre films and pretty much home in on those I expect to be good. Mostly, I’m not disappointed, at least not to the extent of walking out.

I think it is a great thing to be able to walk out of a film. Life is too short. I wish I did it more often but every now and then I do see something where all the best material is at the end (not in this case though) so I am often worried about leaving early. But I know I do get to the end of some films, that I never had an intention of reviewing, and I kick myself for staying until the bitter end.