You are not an active creator of the film.

I've produced my own films for twenty years now - it means I have to talk to less people.

I'm not trying to push my political agenda on anybody. I'll do that like any other citizen by giving money to a party or candidate I believe in. I don't mind going out and endorsing somebody I believe in. But when we're talking about my films, I don't think my politics should have anything to do with it.

People aren't interested in paying $10 or $12 to go to the movies and to be lectured to politically. I'm not either. So I don't try to make those kinds of films.

When you work without a script, you are in a sense working in a much more improvisational way than when you are prepared totally.

Burt Lancaster was largely responsible for me becoming a director.

My films ought to be judged on whether they're entertaining or good as films, but not on the political view necessarily. I'm trying to be morally responsible and no more. I don't have an agenda I'm trying to push.