Generally, a hospital has one Director, but during the filming of several scenes of this year’s blockbuster Superman returns at Thomas Walker Hospital (“Rivendell”) in Sydney, there were two! Equipped with a medical background and psychiatric qualifications, I continued to be responsible for the smooth running of the psychiatric hospital, while Bryan Singer, of X-Men fame, took charge of the movie.

In the main, there was no confusion about our identities and roles among hospital staff, patients, actors and film crew, but there were a couple of exceptions. Early in the piece, when entering the hospital gates, I was accosted by one of the film’s security guards. “I’m the Director”, I explained. “And I’m Superman”, replied the disbelieving, portly guard. Another time, my wife visited the hospital to watch a scene being shot and announced on arrival that she was “the Director’s wife”, which floored a second security guard, as Bryan Singer is openly gay.

There are differences, of course, between a hospital director and a movie director. In this case, Mr Singer boasted an artistic temperament, an entourage of doting attendants, a wonderfully appointed caravan in which to unwind, and reportedly a $30 million salary for making the film. I offered a milder manner, loyal but not fawning secretarial staff, my office as my sole retreat, and a considerably smaller salary.

Although happy with my lot, subconsciously, along with other staff, I craved a part — hero, villain or mere extra — in the movie, but Brandon Routh, Kevin Spacey and co. had these sewn up. Undeterred, I wore a hired Superman outfit under my suit for the duration of the filming and was ever ready to strut my stuff. “I’m the Director and Superman” would surely be hard to top, in one’s medical career and in life.