When I do a novel, I don’t really use the script, I use the book; when I did Apocalypse Now, I used Heart of Darkness. Novels usually have so much rich material.
When I was going for my graduate degree, I decided I was going to make a feature film as my thesis. That’s what I was famous for-that I had my thesis film be a feature film, which was ‘You’re a Big Boy Now.’
I just admire people like Woody Allen, who every year writes an original screenplay. It’s astonishing. I always wished that I could do that.
I know that if a film is ready to emerge out of what I write, I’ll be able to go off and make it without asking anyone’s permission.
I never went to a psychologist or psychiatrist in my life. Never. You know, Italians are a little prejudiced against that kind of thing.
I realized I probably wouldn’t make another film that cuts through commercial and creative things like ‘Godfather’ or ‘Apocalypse.’
I think a sequel is a waste of money and time. I think movies should illuminate new stories.
I wanted to write and direct movies and not be forced to adapt them from a bestselling book.
I was raised as a Catholic, but I didn’t like the Catholic Church at all. I thought the nuns were mean.
I was the kind of kid that had some talents or ability, but it never came out in school.
I’m no longer dependent on the movie business to make a living. So if I want to make movies as other old guys would play golf, I can.
If I have to be remembered for something, I want it remembered that I really liked children and was a good camp counselor.
Lots of people have criticized my movies, but nobody has ever identified the real problem: I’m a sloppy filmmaker.
I had been a kid that moved so much, I didn’t have a lot of friends. Theater really represented camaraderie.
I gladly, I voluntarily gave up the kind of commercial film career I had going as soon as I had enough money to finance my own films.
I bring to my life a certain amount of mess.
I had a number of teachers who hated me. I didn’t do well in school.
I like simplicity; I don’t need luxury.
I thought I wanted to be a playwright because I was interested in stories and telling stories.
As long as I can make lots of money in other businesses, I’ll continue to subsidize my own work.