I was always a self-conscious person..

The only guy who was at all helpful as a producer was Sam Spiegel with On the Waterfront. He's one of the few who even knows what he's doing..

I used to spend most of my time straining to be a nice guy so people would like me..

I hate the Communists and have for many years and don't feel right about giving up my career to defend them. I will give up my film career if it is i….

I like directors who come on the set and create something that's a little dangerous, difficult or unusual..

What's called a difficult decision is a difficult decision because either way you go there are penalties..

I gave my life to the Group Theatre, because in it I'm building something for myself. What I build, I am..

Look for the contradictions in every character, especially in your heroes and villains. No one should be what they first seem to be. Surprise the aud….

I was born in Turkey in an extremely oppressive climate at the time of pogroms, massacres, really. An immigrant appreciates the freedom more..

I said to Tennessee, this thing is becoming the Marlon Brando show..

I value peace, too, when it is not bought at the price of fundamental decencies..

Whatever hysteria exists is inflamed by mystery, suspicion and secrecy. Hard and exact facts will cool it..

I was an outsider... but I was also sympathetic with people that were struggling to get up, because I struggled to get up..

The real challenge is not simply to survive. Hell, anyone can do that. It’s to survive as yourself, undiminished..

One final thing a director needs: The ability to say 'I am wrong' or 'I was wrong.' Not as easy as it sounds. But in many situations, these 3 words, ….

You've got to keep fighting; you've got to risk your life every six months to stay alive..

Wonder is our need today, not information..

I've come to believe that everything worth achieving is beyond one's capacity - or seems so at first. The thing is to persist, not back off, fight yo….

Never underestimate the narcissism of a writer..

Take it from a director: if you get an actor that Sandy Meisner has trained, you've been blessed..

The camera is more than a recorder, it's a microscope. It penetrates, it goes into people and you see their most private and concealed thoughts..