I think that [Barack] Obama was elected because young people are starting to get interested in their country and I think that's a very healthy thing.

The biggest lie is the lie we tell ourselves in the distorted visions we have of ourselves, blocking out some sections, enhancing others. What remains are not the cold facts of life, but how we perceive them. That's really who we are.

Streets crowded with people strolling, or sitting at outdoor cafes. And always, talking, gesturing, singing, laughing. I liked Rome immediately.Everybody was a performer.

I have always been grateful that my Russian mother and father came to this country to give me a better chance, and I have had a better chance.

Michael [Douglas] is, I think, a great actor. He's made some very interesting pictures. When he was going to college, I was very proud of him, but when he said, 'Dad, I want to be in a play,' he had a bit part. I went to see it and Michael said, 'Dad, how was I?' I said, 'You were terrible.' I thought he would go on to be a lawyer and in three months, he was in another play and I went and, I must admit, he was great. I think he has been good in everything he's done.

Obey the voice within - it commands us to give of ourselves and help others. As long as we have the capacity to give, we are alive

I directed two films, not very successfully, and after that, I went back to being an actor and a producer.