The product of the artist has become less important than the fact of the artist. We wish to absorb this person. We wish to devour someone who has experienced the tragic. In our society this person is much more important than anything he might create.

Every scene should be able to answer three questions: "Who wants what from whom? What happens if they don't get it? Why now?"

The work of the director is the work of constructing the shot list from the script.

Every reiteration of the idea that nothing matters debases the human spirit.

When I started out I was a failed actor.

What we're trying to do is find two or more shots the juxtaposition of which will give us the idea.

My alma mater is the Chicago Public Library. I got what little educational foundation I got in the third-floor reading room, under the tutelage of a Coca-Cola sign.