I think psychology and self-reflection is one of the major catastrophes of the twentieth century.

It is something more fleeting than what you normally see. People might somehow take it into their own dreams, into their own life, in a way. I hear it more recently; people are telling me that when they leave the theater and see one of my films, they are not alone anymore. It's probably more that kind of feeling. If I managed to do a film like that, everything is fine.

I live my life outside of the glitz and glamour of the red carpet events, and so you’ll never see me there. I’m never at parties.

I'm a very circumspect and prudent person, and I eliminate danger as far as it can be done.

Facts do not convey truth. That's a mistake. Facts create norms, but truth creates illumination.

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 shouldn't make movies anymore. I should go to a lunatic asylum.