I would rather do what I did than crawl in front of a ritualistic Left and lie the way those other comrades did betray my own soul.

I truly believe that all power corrupts. Such is probably the thinking behind every political film ever made in Hollywood.

Take it from a director: if you get an actor that Sandy Meisner has trained, you've been blessed.

I've come to believe that everything worth achieving is beyond one's capacity - or seems so at first. The thing is to persist, not back off, fight your fight, pay your dues, and carry on. Effort is all; continue and you may get there despite everything.

Never underestimate the narcissism of a writer.

I knew the exuberance of playing before an admiring audience and hearing my secret voice.

One final thing a director needs: The ability to say 'I am wrong' or 'I was wrong.' Not as easy as it sounds. But in many situations, these 3 words, honestly spoken, will save the day.