Anybody can direct a picture once they know the fundamentals. Directing is not a mystery, it's not an art. The main thing about directing is: photograph the people's eyes.

To be quite blunt, I make pictures for money, to pay the rent.There are some great artists in the business. I am not one of them.

When in doubt, make a western.

Who better than an Irishman can understand the Indians, while still being stirred by tales of the US cavalry?

Revenge proves it's own executioner.

I love making pictures but I don't like talking about them.

I didn't show up at the ceremony to collect any of my first three Oscars. Once I went fishing, another time there was a war on, and on another occasion, I remember, I was suddenly taken drunk.