I know that if a film is ready to emerge out of what I write, I'll be able to go off and make it without asking anyone's permission.

When I do a novel, I don't really use the script, I use the book; when I did Apocalypse Now, I used Heart of Darkness. Novels usually have so much rich material.

Listen, if there's one sure-fire rule that I have learned in this business, it's that I don't know anything about human nature.

Death is what makes life an event.

The time a movie is made is unique, not only from the talent that is available but if the public was ready for it.

I realized I probably wouldn't make another film that cuts through commercial and creative things like 'Godfather' or 'Apocalypse.'

Sound is your friend because sound is much cheaper than picture, but it has equal effect on the audience - in some ways, perhaps more effect because it does it in a very indirect way.