I never desired to really go to Hollywood and make films, and purely because I want my entire control, which I'm used to having.

I try not to have too specific notions because it messes up the process later on. I leave it very open to interpretation until I start casting. Everything changes a lot when you start casting. I mean everything.

Man's fear of sexuality is the basis of all horror from the male perspective.

Elle Fanning was fifteen when we started [The Neon Demon]. She turned seventeen during the shoot. Four weeks before Cannes, she turned eighteen. She had her prom at Cannes.

Abbey Lee was a very famous model and had great success. She was very open about the negative aspects of that industry.

Sometimes you can play against type, or you can just repeat what they've already done. It can be an obstacle; it's a very fine line.

You ask actors what they would like to do, and you constantly keep them engaged. You want their engagement, input, and sensibilities. It's that intimate collaboration that is actually directing. I don't like the mechanicalness or coldness; I like the intimacy. It's like we are creating a child together.