LEGENDARY film director Terry Gilliam paid a visit to Hatfield film students on Tuesday night to pass on some of what he has learned in more than 30 years at the top of his profession.

A packed audience at the University of Hertfordshire gathered to watch a free screening of his typically controversial new film Tideland, a gritty tale of drug addiction and childhood fantasy, before a question and answer masterclass hosted by Film Four's Kate Leys.

The former Monty Python star, renowned for his idiosyncratic style, then faced some tough questions from students.

Responding to criticism of his film an unapologetic Gilliam said: "This is why I make films - to get people talking; to get people arguing and discussing what they see.

"The worst reaction to film there can be is that was okay'. That's boring - nobody wants to watch a film like that.

"Sure, I get mixed reviews but I wish they (the reviewers) would come up with something more original.

"I don't mind a good' bad review but I hate bad' bad reviews. Reviewers tend to copy each other these days."

Responding to the fantastic facilities offered by its de Havilland Campus' Western Auditorium, he said: "It's a great theatre. It's far too good for students."

Chris McIntyre, dean of the faculty for creative and cultural studies, felt that the visit, organised by the Film and Digital Media Exchange ( a partnership of five east of England universities promoting learning through film), was a resounding success.

He said: "This visit is of real importance to us.

"It's one thing for our students to get out there and work on movies but quite another to have someone like Terry come to them.

"It's a sign that we are taken increasingly serious by film world.

"I think the students will take a lot from this - it will help them understand better how films get made."

Although the film, and indeed Mr Gilliam, were clearly not to evrybody's taste - judging by the numbers leaving directly after the film - the majority of students seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed the visit.

Fay Hinley, reading digital media said: "I thought the film was actually very good. It was fantastic that he came her to talk with us, he's an inspirational figure.

"The Film and Digital Media Exchange are also doing great things with the university. They are the best thing about our course."

Looking to the future, American-born Mr Gilliam, who lives in Highgate with his wife and three children, says he has just finished a new script with long-time writing partner Charles McKeown and hopes to win funding to take it to the big screen.

Chasing funding, he added with just a hint of bitterness, is the most time consuming part of any film-maker's job As for a reunion with the Monty Python Crew, this, admits Mr Gilliam, is unlikely for the forseable future.