There was also the myth of the western films. But my films are borrowed not from the story of the West in America but from the story of cinema.

When I used Claudia [Cardinale] for example, in Once Upon a Time in the West, she represented the birth of American matriarchy. Because women had enormous weight in America.

Where life had no value, death, sometimes, had its price. That is why the bounty killers appeared.

I was born in 1929, and in the 50 years from 1930 to 1980, I've been able to live an unbelievably varied century. Before, you could never have seen such intense change in a 50-year span.

I can't see America any other way than with a European's eyes. It fascinates me and terrifies me at the same time.

If a director takes the time to document - to step back to observe - I think it I more honest. Because it has to be the public that makes the conclusions and who, possibly, resolves the situation.

Women had enormous weight in America. And they still have. Because they are truly the padrone [owners, masters] of America.