Civilization is like a thin layer of ice upon a deep ocean of chaos and darkness.

I have nothing against 3D films but I do not need to see them.

I travel without barely any luggage. Just a second set of underwear and binoculars and a map and a toothbrush.

Facts sometimes have a strange and bizarre power that makes their inherent truth seem unbelievable.

My crew [on "Fitzcarraldo" filming] actually said, "We have filmed it from outside on the rocks of the shore. We should be on board [the ship]," and I said it's dangerous, I only do it if you cinematographer Thomas Mauch and you actor [Klaus] Kinski decide on your own.

I couldn't roam wildly and speak secretly with villagers [in North Korea]. No way you could do that. And honestly, I didn't even try. I was realistic of what I could do and yet persuaded them into accepting numerous things that I shouldn't have filmed.

I believe the common denominator of the Universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility and murder.