You are much more dependent on luck than you think. People say if you want to have a good relationship, you have to work at it. But you never hear it about anything you really like, about sailing or going to soccer games.

I've always had an easy time directing actors because I always hire ones that are great before I get my hands on them.

I've gained no wisdom, no insight, no mellowing. I would make all the same mistakes again, today.

Astronomers say the universe is finite, which is a comforting thought for those people who can't remember where they leave things.

If I can play a scene in a master shot, I always prefer it. And the actors always prefer it. It's fun to look at on the screen, the actors get a chance to sink their teeth into something substantial, and it's economically helpful.

In every generation there are a few people who are authentically funny. The cosmetics change. You may not be able to articulate it, and you may laugh at them and get a certain amount of enjoyment. But when you're asleep at night, and you wake up at 3 in the morning, and you're alone in your bed, you know who's really funny.

You always think another time would have been ideal for you . . . the reality is there was no novocaine when you went to the dentist.