I do not think that my films or films by any other filmmaker represent "THE TRUTH." I do not feel the need to categorize my films or anyone else's.

My goal is to make as many films as possible about different aspects of American life.

I don't like to read novels where the novelist tells me what to think about the situation and the characters. I prefer to discover for myself.

I'm very careful of not being critical of other people's movies, which work in different styles. I think some of my movies can be interpreted as critical of their subjects.

I'm in no way suggesting that I succeed, but it's inspiring to read somebody who does succeed and from whom, in a general way, you can draw examples and nourishment and sustenance.

I'm too busy to be nostalgic, which is one of the reasons to keep busy. I'm not a very sentimental person.

Documentary filmmaking ruins you for real life, because you learn to be extremely attentive.

Anybody whose mind is functioning at all can't be content with the way the world works.

In moviemaking, you learn to pay attention to detail, because so much is in the detail. And when you're shooting, you try to be very alert to what's going on, even if you're tired.

It is always a problem to know what an image means.

Everything about a movie is manipulation.

It is remarkable indeed how we human beings are capable of delighting in the mating call of a flower while we are surrounded by the charred carcasses of our fellow animals.

Only his eyes remain the same. Bronze, red-gold, like iron brought to blazing heat.

You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

I really believe that fashion, and dressing up, is a great way for guys to express and interact with their creativity.

The key to controlling your own political party, so that it does not eat you alive, is to realize that while Democratic and Republican leaders differ sharply, their voters do not.

That's what they do in Argentina. Have a little wine and talk. Then have some coffee and talk. Then, go back to the wine.

America is just as much to blame as a lot of our enemies.

I believe that peace is not merely an absence of war but the nurture of human life, and that in time this nurture would do away with war as a natural process.

Find me a man who's interesting enough to have dinner with and I'll be happy.

In civilized society we all depend upon each other, and our happiness is very much owing to the good opinion of mankind.