My films are the expression of momentary desires. I follow my instincts, but in a disciplined way.

It's very important to set your place in a concrete environment. I think Chekhov said that the important thing when you have a play or any kind of novel is to set the roots in a concrete place.

I don't think that there would be more users if drugs were legalized.

Some experience is helpful. "The Pianist" was a film that I could make with my eyes closed because I had lived it and everything was still alive in me.

It's easy to direct while acting - there's one less person to argue with.

You have to show violence the way it is. If you don't show it realistically, then that's immoral and harmful. If you don't upset people, then that's obscenity.

Happy endings make me puke.