Don't do anything. Just tolerate me and let me suffer, knowing how you feel.

When I made my first film, I think the thing was probably helped me the most was that it was such an unusual thing to do in the early 50s for someone who actually go and make a film. People thought it was impossible. It really is terribly easy. All anybody needs is a camera, a tape recorder, and some imagination.

Never say no to an idea - you never know how that idea will ignite another idea.

Know what it is the emotional statement to convey, and use taste and judgement to help the actors give their best possible performance.

A film is - or should be - more like music than like fiction. It should be a progression of moods and feelings. The theme, what's behind the emotion, the meaning, all that comes later.

I never learned anything at all in school and didn't read a book for pleasure until I was 19 years old.

Here's to five miserable months on the wagon and the irreparable harm that it's caused me.