 Nureyev made a similar observation of Russell's directing style, which he characterized as "guiding rather than imposing...He imposes his wavelength on the people who are working with him and then taps their ideas," though he spoke favorably of Russell, describing him as considerate and open to ideas in spite of his meticulous nature.The film's assistant director, Jonathan Benson, noted that while Russell and Nureyev "both behaved very professionally, they didn't get close; Russell was never comfortable with him."