Gaulier remembers Baron Cohen well: "He was a good clown, full of spirit", but he refuses to take credit for the achievements of his proteges. "I don't feel any responsibility for their success," he says. This isn't self-depreciation, it is a statement of pride. His way of teaching is designed to leave only the subtlest traces of his involvement. There are certain principles involved, but no method. "I hate the idea of lots of little Gauliers going out into the world," he declares.