The news he has Emphysema and is house-bound came out about two days earlier. It was accompanied by rumors that he’s retired. He’s since said that last part is incorrect … though perhaps his retirement denial is more for his own sense of self than about the probability of any future work as a director.

Emphysema is a form of COPD or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“I have to say I enjoyed smoking very much” he wrote “but there is a price to pay for this enjoyment”.

Emphysema is a condition which causes shortness of breath and a persistent cough.

But despite living with it he says he is “filled with happiness” and has thanked fans for their concern.