Jane Campion on The Power of the Dog: ‘Too much leather and ropes and chaps? I encouraged it!’

The film director and her director of photography, Ari Wegner, discuss their Oscar nominations, filming through the pandemic - and what it's like for a woman to make a western

Contains spoilers for The Power of the Dog

What a fantastic cackle Jane Campion has. The only woman twice nominated for a best director Oscar could come off a bit austere: colossal CV, monochrome uniform, touch of Michael Haneke to the knitwear. But that laugh! It first barks out in the introductions then sticks around the whole time, so infectious you start guffawing at things that aren't funny. It's warm and straightforward, and so is she.

When I come into the room, Campion is hugging Ari Wegner on the couch. Wegner, 38, was the director of photography (DOP) on The Power of the Dog; she wears a padded kimono, blue grandad shirt and bright red trousers. Campion is recounting how she went to Tate Britain and ate this and that and isn't it great New Zealand has reopened its borders! It's fabulous! Til the next lurgy-burgy or whatever!" Omicron is no match for Kiwi bonhomie.