I won't make shorthand films, because I don't want to manipulate audiences into assuming quick, manufactured truths.

You can defeat fear through humor, through pain, through honesty, bravery, intuition, and through love in the truest sense.

I like to act in films, I like to shoot 'em, I like to direct 'em, I like to be around 'em. I like the feel of it and it's something I respect. It doesn't make any difference whether it's a crappy film or a good film. Anyone who can make a film, I already love. But I feel sorry if they don't put any thought in it because then they missed the boat.

Filmmaking is exploring. Why would I want to make a film about something I already understand?

You must be willing to risk everything to really express it all.

Art films aren't necessarily photography. It's feeling. If we can capture a feeling of a people, of a way of life, then we made a good picture.

No matter how old you get, if you can keep the desire to be creative, you're keeping the man-child alive.