I was always a self-conscious person.

The camera is more than a recorder, it's a microscope. It penetrates, it goes into people and you see their most private and concealed thoughts.

You have no idea how fragile an actor's self-worth is.

Look for the contradictions in every character, especially in your heroes and villains. No one should be what they first seem to be. Surprise the audience.

I was always a self-conscious person.

I was taken in by what might be called the Hard Times version of the Communists' advertising or recruiting technique.

The first thing you should do with an actor is not sign a contract with him. Take him to dinner. And take him for a walk afterwards.