The only way I was able to defend myself was to be able to take punishment. Then I got a lot of respect. They said, "Oh, he's okay, he can take it. Don't hit him." The guys were pretty big, and I had asthma.

The only thing I really wanted was the freedom to be able to get what I want on film. I’ve dealt with the MPAA since 1973, so I know how to renegotiate and rework.

I didn't realize there are generations who do not know about the origins of film.

I think when you're young and have that first burst of energy and make five or six pictures in a row that tell the stories of all the things in life you want to say... well, maybe those are the films that should have won me the Oscar.

You don't make up for your sins in church. You do it in the streets. You do it at home. The rest is bullshit and you know it.

There are times when you have to face your enemies, sit down and deal with it.

Death comes in a flash, and that's the truth of it, the person's gone in less than 24 frames of film.