M: After the fall of the Ceacescu government, you returned to your homeland. Please describe the experience. After your absence of more than 20 years, what vestigial traces of your home were left for you?

AC: I described the experience in the book "The Hole in the Flag: an Exile's Tale of Return and Revolution" (available through www.codrescu.com). When I returned, I found a different Romania from the one in my head. Now I have two Romanias. Actually, I have about eight since I find a different Romania every time I go back

 

M:  Describe the making of the film Road Scholar. What other film work have you done? Do you hope to do?

AC: I described this in my book "Road Scholar" (available through www.codrescu.com). I was in a bunch of films but none of them were all mine. I'm waiting for the producers willing to put their faith in my five hundred great ideas for movies. There may actually be some now, but I won't hex the deals by talking about'em.

 

M:  Why did you come to the USA in 1966?

AC: Because they opened the gate for about half a second. I was fast in those days. Commie dogs were after me. I threw church incense at them. The Beatles were playing. I got to Rome. The dogs were confused. The Pope was naked.