A film needs more than you can give it in a lifetime.

One man writes a novel. One man writes a symphony. It is essential that one man make a film.

God has a hard-on for a Marine because we kill everything we see. He plays His game, we play ours.

How could we possibly appreciate the Mona Lisa if Leonardo had written at the bottom of the canvas: 'The lady is smiling because she is hiding a secret from her lover.' This would shackle the viewer to reality, and I don't want this to happen to 2001.

Everything has already been done. every story has been told every scene has been shot. it’s our job to do it one better.

I think the big mistake in schools is trying to teach children anything, and by using fear as the basic motivation. Fear of getting failing grades, fear of not staying with your class, etc. Interest can produce learning on a scale compared to fear as a nuclear explosion to a firecracker.

Be suspicious of people who have, or crave, power. Never, ever go near power. Don't become friends with anyone who has real power. It's dangerous.