The most personal thing I've put in [Touch of Evil] is my hatred of the abuse of police power. It's better to see a murderer go free than for a policeman to abuse his power.

I passionately hate the idea of being with it; I think an artist has always to be out of step with his time.

I don't pray because I don't want to bore God.

I started at the top and worked my way down.

I'm a provincial. I live very much like a hermit: reading, listening to music, working in the cutting room, writing, commercial work - which doesn't take up that much time.

It would be so much better if the critics would come, not on first nights, but on last nights, when they could exercise their undoubted flair for funeral orations.

I have a great love and respect for religion, great love and respect for atheism. What I hate is agnosticism, people who do not choose.