I don't think racism can be eliminated in my lifetime ... or my children's or grandchildren's. But I think it's something we have to strive for. I'm going to keep working toward that day coming.

I think black people have to be in control of their own image because film is a powerful medium. We can't just sit back and let other people define our existence.

There's an unwritten law that you cannot have a Jewish character in a film who isn't 100 percent perfect, or you're labeled anti-Semitic.

I'm just trying to tell a good story and make thought-provoking, entertaining films. I just try and draw upon the great culture we have as a people, from music, novels, the streets.

I think it is very important that films make people look at what they've forgotten.

It gets dangerous when you start allowing people to validate your work.

Don't think that because you haven't heard from me for a while that I went to sleep. I am still here, like a spirit roaming the night. Thirsty, hungry, seldom stopping to rest.

When you love something it's not a job anymore.

All directors are storytellers, so the motivation was to tell the story I wanted to tell. That's what I love.

American slavery was not a Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western. It was a holocaust. My ancestors are slaves. Stolen from Africa. I will honor them.

I think people who have faults are a lot more interesting than people who are perfect.

‎"I look upon this world as a wrecked vessel. God has given me a lifeboat and said, 'Moody, save all you can.

Character is formed out of those small decisions taken for granted

It's what we call a dolce pazzia... a sweet madness. Once you feel it, you will never want to leave it.

All I ask is for people to trust me.

Elvis wore a halo. Otis Redding did, too. You knew you were playing with a star when you played with them.

There's too much democracy in the culture, not enough in the society.

A writer must say yes to life.

Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends. We're so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside.

Be wise and don't let good things crowd out those that are essential.

Its so very important as to what a child watches on TV. I feel for every parent that knows this, and cares, because they only have control of the childs viewing to a certain point.