In drama, the characters should determine the story. In melodrama, the story determines the characters.

Don't let the difficulty of actually achieving a shot make you think that the shot is good.

Over-length is one of the things that most often results in the destruction of the movie in the cutting room.

If I don't have a script I adore, I do one I like. If I don't have one I like, I do one that has an actor I like or that presents some technical challenge.

While the goal of all movies is to entertain, the kind of film in which I believe goes one step further. It compels the spectator to examine one facet or another of his own conscience. It stimulates thought and sets the mental juices flowing.

For any director with a little lucidity, masterpieces are films that come to you by accident.

There are no minor decisions in movie making. Each decision will either contribute to a good piece of work or bring the whole movie crashing down around my head many months later.