All these directors who do different locations forget that one room can be shot from a million different angles and a million different ways. When I direct a movie, I'm going to use that.

I think in some ways you learn more from the things you don't like than the things you do.

Acting is really scary, but it's also challenging, fun, hard work. There's always an element of improvisation with every actor, even when something is really scripted.

It sounds cliche, but success is your friends, your family, what you do, and if you're happy when you wake up.

When actors give their input, it can be very ego-driven, and directors are scared of that.

I think Van Sant is the most important American director we have. He takes the most risks. He's just pure to me.

I'm not really equipped to do anything else but making movies. In every other aspect of my life I'm a total failure.

I feel that film, as opposed to theatre, is about capturing that one, real moment.

I saw the main character played by Mads Mikkelsen, and he's amazing. Hannibal had that going for it.

I have fun making films. I love making films. It's the only thing I know how to do. And I do it well.

Right now is a very interesting time because of the digital cameras, and the fact that you can edit anywhere. It's a great time to be a filmmaker, is a great time to be starting off.

I love revisions…We can’t go back and revise our lives, but being allowed to go back and revise what we have written comes closest.

what you do today is the foundation upon which your future will stand

Wait, I almost shouted, but didn’t, and that would be my burden to bear. Instead, I stood on the curb and I watched him disappear, lights fading in the distance like waking up from a dream.

Things do not change we change.

You want to be the best at your position. And if people think of me as one of the best ever, that's the ultimate compliment.

The trouble is, walking in Venice becomes compulsive once you start. Just over the next bridge, you say, and then the next one beckons.

It's a mistake to ask a work of art to be all things to all people.

You gave him an opportunity of showing greatness of character and he did not seize it. He will never forgive you for that.

One should make one's life a mosaic. Let the general design be good, the colors lively, and the materials diversified.

The world exists to set us free.