Quotes

[when asked which of his films is his favorite] The next one! I'm often asked that question and that's always my silly answer. I have two children--two boys--and if you asked me which one I liked best obviously I couldn't choose. The same way with my films. Some were more successful from a financial point of view, some worked better than others from an artistic point of view, but each of them had their own reasons for being made, their own activities on the set, in pre-production, post-production, etc., and I like them all equally. Except, you know, the best one will be the next one.

Growing up in the Midwest, I didn't know what a director did except he was the last name before the movie began. When I came out here and got on a set I realized the director had the best job of anyone. I can't imagine anything as fulfilling as looking into the sky and thinking, "I've got this story in mind", and then sitting down at my computer and staring at the monitor and writing. "Ext. day -- blah blah blah" and then months later actually having a movie! To get a thought and then down the line being able to tell that story to millions of people is very fulfilling. It's almost a religious experience.

If I make a picture that allows me to do another picture, then I'm very pleased. All I wanted to do was make movies. I was very, very lucky in my career to have directed 20 features.

I always like collaborating with professional people . . . the more experienced an actor is, the less you have to direct him.