I sometimes make pictures which are not up to my standard, but then it can only be said of a mediocrity that all his work is up to his standard.

The job of the director is to suggest two plus two. Let the viewer say four.

Any good movie is filled with secrets. If a director doesn't leave anything unsaid, it's a lousy picture. If a picture's unsaid, it's a lousy picture. If a picture is good, it's mysterious, with things unsaid.

You could name the great stars of the silent screen who were finished the great directors gone the great title writers who were washed up. But remember this, as long as you live: the producers didn't lose a man. They all made the switch. That's where the great talent is.

In Hollywood we acquire the finest novels in order to smell the leather bindings.