The reclusive, legendary director gave a rare interview on Swedish television last week.

He said he hates to watch his own movies. "I don't watch my own films very often. I become so jittery and ready to cry... and miserable. I think it's awful." The one-hour interview ran on Sweden's public service network, SVT, last Thursday.

Bergman was interviewed at his home on Faaroe, a desolate island 100 miles southeast of Stockholm.

The 85-year-old director described painful memories from his childhood and his fear of death, but also laughed when recalling receiving the French Legion of Honor in 1985.

"When we came out of the Elysee Palace there was a gigantic limousine waiting for us and four police on motorcycles," Bergman said. "It is probably one of the few times I have experienced my fame. I thought it was so fantastic that I laughed to the point of shouting. I laughed so that I fell over on the floor of this big car."