With a film, I do my best to understand the author's intentions and try to bring the characters to life.

I don't rehearse films as much as opera or theatre. When I began directing films I thought a long rehearsal was a good idea. Experience showed me that the best performance was often left in a rehearsal room.

On stage, the audience watches from a fixed viewpoint and the director cannot retake something he doesn't like. It has to work straight through.

There were movies that always made me want to be a director. You see brilliant scenes and the way the emotions were handled. I thought, I'd really like to do that.

The number of opera houses around the world and the high attendance rates show that opera an art form that is more popular than ever.

In my view, the operas of Carlisle Floyd will find a place in the permanent repertoire.

With a film, I do my best to understand the author's intentions and try to bring the characters to life.