Wacky screenwriter Charlie Kaufman has slammed suggestions he writes his mindbending scripts while high on drugs.

The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind writer is famed for his highly-original work, which is so bizarre that many industry insiders are unwilling to accept they are the product of a sober mind.

But kooky Kaufman - who was nominated for Oscars for his BEING JOHN MALKOVICH and ADAPTATION screenplays - swears his mind is always clear when he sits down to create.

He says, "Other people have speculated that I write on drugs, but the truth is I have never written anything not completely sober because it would be impossible for me not to write that way.

"And on top of that, I've never taken LSD. I'm terrified to take LSD it goes on way too long and I would have panic attacks.

"But magic mushrooms? Yes, I've experienced that."

20/05/2004 00:07