I like the idea of doing something outside my comfort zone.

I couldn't be a cameraman or a designer or an actor - I have to be a director because I learned how to do that from my dad.

I think my dyslexia was a vital part of my development because my inability to read and write meant that I had to find knowledge elsewhere so I looked to the cinema.

I see the job of directing as being one of creating the right atmosphere, creating an environment where people can realize their full potential.

Every time I make a film, I feel it gives me the chance to learn something new.

Fairy tales to me are never happy, sweet stories. They're moral stories about overcoming the dark side and the bad.

Modern, not bottom-dwelling literature like a carp.

I was known for a while for doing very long takes, especially after Atonement.

I don't make a division between an art film and commercial art.

I feel more in touch with the world when I'm filming.

Generally, I've never known quite how to fit in in civilian life, but on set, making a film, I know exactly where to go, how to behave and how I fit.

Sweetest smile is made saddest tear-drop!

A little imagination goes a long way in Fes.

Most people can only sleep with a nice soft pillow I can only sleep with heavy anti psychotics

Czech: Řekni mi, co čteš, a já ti řeknu, kdo jsi.English: Tell me what you read, and I'll tell you who you are.First president of Czechoslovakia.

Actions speak louder than meetings.

A woman is a highly developed, deeply intelligent, infinitely complicated being. And it needs to be carefully tricked into doing things.

To disbelieve in marriage is easy: to love a married woman is easy; but to betray a comrade, to be disloyal to a host, to break the covenant of bread and salt, is impossible.

Reporters used to ask me the same inane questions year-in and year-out, city-to-city, and it would drive me crazy.

A story comes to you; it isn't like you choose it. You have no real control.

Heresy is a cradle; orthodoxy a coffin.