A number of images put together a certain way become something quite above and beyond what any of them are individually.

I've been blessed with enough wealth that I can make a film myself up to a certain budget. So one way I thought I would reinvent myself was just to make these very small, personal films that I've financed myself.

I had a number of very strong personalities in my family. My father was a concert flutist, the solo flute for Toscanini.

I think cinema, movies, and magic have always been closely associated. The very earliest people who made film were magicians.

To make great movies, there is an element of risk. You have to say, 'Well, I am going to make this film, and it is not really a sure thing.'

You have to really be courageous about your instincts and your ideas. Otherwise you'll just knuckle under, and things that might have been memorable will be lost.

Roger Corman exploited all of the young people who worked for him, but he really gave you responsibility and opportunity. So it was kind of a fair deal.