To be a great artist, you have to be willing to take risks and to do things that no one would ever pay you for - at first.

You have to know that your collaborators want you to make the movie that you want. Don't back down because you think it's nice to them. You need to have the film be the way that you want it.

The biggest challenge for me in every film is believing that what I have to say is important enough to have lots of people collaborate to make a whole movie. I work on this belief every day.

The films I find boring are the ones that have no space for the audience's misconceptions.

Truthfully, my films don't get funded, they get adopted - and are made thanks to the generosity of others.

Everything in this room is edible. Even I'm edible. But, that would be called canibalism. It is looked down upon in most societies.

To have made a coat of words and cloaked yourself in it.

When you think about such fine actors as Maggie Smith or Michael Gambon, they do all mediums. I think it would be quite sad and a bit dull just to have to stick to one. I like all of them.

The black man continues on his way. He plods wearily no longer-he is striding freedom road with the knowledge that if he hasn't got the world in a jug, at least he has the stopper in his hand.

I say, Billy, what’s the use in playing croquet when you’re doomed? He says, Frankie, what’s the use of not playing croquet when you’re doomed?

In the moment when we are able to smile, to look at ourselves with compassion, our world begins to change.

The relief of enemies has a tendency to unite mankind in fraternal affection.

I have been very fortunate to have been able to make a living from what I love to do best - performing and singing for people.

I’m not a patriot to a flag, I’m a patriot to a land.