All I can do is try to do the best work I can. I need to work, I like to work... although I complain about it, but I do like it - and I just need to make the best film I can.

I prefer people who don't get caught, and if they do get caught, I prefer people who don't give in.

Being independent... is being innovative out of inspiration as well as necessity.

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

My working-class Italian-American parents didn't go to school, there were no books in the house.

I'm trying not to let the anger and the violence that erupt take over my life. I guess it comes with the growing process, I don't know. A little mellowing.

The tone of the picture and the atmosphere was in my head and in my blood in a way once I'd decided to make the picture. I had to find my way through that to choose, select, emphasise certain visual elements and sound.