The greatest danger for artists is total freedom.

I even see the cinema itself as a woman, with its alternation of light and darkness, of appearing and disappearing images

Freedom, especially a woman's freedom, is a conquest to be made, not a gift to be received. It isn't granted. It must be taken.

All art is autobiographical.

As I don't consider myself exceptional, but simply a storyteller, each of my stories is really a period of my life. Deep down I feel that criticism of my work-which is the most sincere and authentic vision of myself-is unsuitable and immodest, whether it is favorable or unfavorable.

I never make moral judgments; I'm not qualified to do so. I am not a censor, a priest, or a politician.

Nietzsche claimed that his genius was in his nostrils and I think that is a very excellent place for it to be.