If your mother cooks Italian food, why should you go to a restaurant?

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

I wish I could play music. I think I get as closeas possible with the editing of the films. Over the years musichas been an even more important influence than-or as important as-film.There's no doubt about it. Painting, movement, dance, sculpture-it'sall in cinema.

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.

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.

I tried for about two semesters in a preparatory seminary. But I was about 15 and didn't fully understand what a vocation means.

Always stay open to surprise.