When we met, my agenda was "Get Elle Fanning." I believe Elle's was "Get the role." But we didn't know that.

The Oriental approach to violence is a much more aesthetic and poetic approach, whereas in the western world, violence is put in because you can't solve the problem. Violence is always the last solution, but unfortunately, in cinema, it's the first solution, because it's easy. And it's often too easy.

The conversations about a film are an example of success because then you know whatever you've done has resonated.

I certainly believe that creativity must be an experience. If I'm to steal time away from people, we should give them something to react to.

Financing films that are demanding is a task, in itself. Because people are so afraid of taking any kind of chance, because they're afraid the audience isn't going to respond. But the audience is so hungry for anything that's a bit original, personal, or different.

I can't make a film that I don't feel comfortable with.

I think that I am a pornographer, meaning that I make movies based on what excites me and what I would like to see.