Journalist: What accounts for the worldwide success of "Aux frontieres du reel"? [name given to the X-files show in French]

Duchovny: We can all agree, there is nothing more American than an FBI agent. On the other hand, all cultures have their myths, their legends, their witches, their extraterrestrials and their ghosts: these themes are universal. And we broach on all of those themes in the series: perhaps there lies the key to our success.

Journalist: One question is on everyone's mind: in the film, Mulder is about to kiss Scully, but the kiss doesn't happen. [The last line is an expression which means loosely, 'you guys show a mocking disregard towards [the wishes] of everyone!', 'you guys don't care what anyone thinks!']

Duchovny: The public is waiting for an answer to the big question: Will Mulder and Scully stay friends or become lovers? We have made an intelligent response: they become closer without becoming closer.

Journalist: OK, but in the series, is it going to be clarified?

Duchovny: No. Our series revolves around the paranormal, mysteries, and the search for the truth. It isn't based on a love story. The ambiguity of the relationship between Mulder and Scully reinforces the interest of the show. But we have to avoid falling into the trap of "Mulder and Scully are going to get married", or "Mulder and Scully are going to have a baby"!

Journalist: Frankly, aren't you a little bit tired of being Mulder on the show?

Duchovny: Oh, but Mulder is quite a character! In fact, it's more the rhythm of the shooting schedules that exausts me and prevents me from spending more time in film. The ideal would be to only do movies of the X-Files, one every four or five years.

Journalist: Is filming really that different in movies compared to television?

Duchovny: A great actor like Robert De Niro might perhaps be very bad in a sitcom, but for me it's exactly the same job. It's only the finished product that changes. Except for one detail: in a movie, you can say "s---" and "f---", but not on TV!

Journalist: This character of Mulder, has it already trapped you in a typecast, much like William Shatner was trapped into "Star Trek"?

Duchovny: Sean Connery (James Bond) is doing well, Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones) too. Lots of actors have been identified with one particular character, but have ended up evolving [out of it]. If I have talent, I will make it. Otherwise, I will fail. Come back and see me in 10 years.

Journalist: Let's ask that nagging question: do you believe in extraterrestrials?

Duchovny: I hate that question! Do we ask actors on shows like "ER" if they believe in euthanasia?

Journalist: Coming back to earth... is DD a happy person?

Duchovny: Sorry to deceive you, but I'm the happiest I've ever been! I like my job, I only wish that I could invest less time in the series and take the time to build my career and my marriage.

Journalist: Some rumours have it that like Mulder, you are also asexual. Others say that you are addicted to sex. Care to comment?

Duchovny: I would be dead long before having been able to perform a hundredth of what's been attributed to me! But you can be assured, Téa and I make a very normal couple.

Journalist: You have been voted one of the sexiest actors on TV. What effect does that have on you?

Duchovny: Better to pass for a sex symbol than an idiot!

Journalist: After a year of marriage, when will there be an extra terrestrial? [i love that pun!]

Duchovny: Since I'm shooting in LA now, one thing is sure: I'm sleeping in the same bed as my wife. It's definitely the first step towards starting a family, eh?

Journalist: How do you keep yourself sane, between your work and your private life?

Duchovny: I swim, I play basketball, I don't smoke and I'm vegetarian. And yoga helps me to remain bearable towards those around me.

Journalist: Being a hero to young people and making young women dream. Frankly, David, does Téa find this plausible?

Duchovny: I'm only a human being and my wife sees me realistically. Sometimes, when we see one of my films together, she turns to me and says, "You are definitely a magnificent hero!". You see now why I'm a happy man?