I can't see any reason why a film shouldn't be stylized and visually beautiful. I don't think a beautiful set is pretentious.

There cannot be any communication except through form. If there is no form, you cannot create emotion in the spectator.

So I used formal techniques to make the film more perceptive emotionally.

I saw part of The Singing Detective on TV in New York. I said, Something is going on here.

I never had any special appetite for filmmaking, but you have to make a living and it is miraculous to earn a living working in film.

My films seem to be better understood and better received by the monthly publications. On television the first reactions are usually unfavorable.

It was repugnant, but it was the only way to communicate.

A viewer as opposed to a filmmaker might see a film differently. But I'm extremely comfortable with my style.

For me an unfavorable initial reaction happens fairly often. For some reason the more time that elapses after the film opens, the more favorable the reviews become.

I am never driven. Every film Ive made has been an assignment.

You can make fun of yourself and people will laugh at you. If you’re smart, you’ll end up as a comedian. If you’re not, you’ll end up as a clown.

When you open to the world, the world opens to you.

I believe one of the best things about managing people is that we can influence lives in a positive way. That's basically what a manager is about. When I can do that, I am very happy.

When paper money systems begin to crack at the seams, the run to gold could be explosive.

The best food I've ever eaten in my life has come from the poorest communities.

But you just said you loved me." "I do, Mer. That's the point. I can't make you like me. I can't stand the thought of you hungry or cold or scared. I can't make you a Six.

Most things are not as risky as they seem.

Let others laugh when you sacrifice desire to duty, if they will. You have time and eternity to rejoice in.

The Johnny Depp generation has this kind of brooding, weighty, introspective quality, very James Deanish. Which is nice, great for a lot of characters.

If my father was alive to hear that, he'd turn over in his grave.