Top quotes by Clint Eastwood

They say marriages are made in Heaven. But so is thunder and lightning. Votes: 23

And I think it's that time. And I think if you just step aside and Mr. Romney can kind of take over. You can maybe still use a plane. Though maybe a smaller one. Not that big gas guzzler you are going around to colleges and talking about student loans and stuff like that. Votes: 23

My dad was a big admirer of Sergeant York stories from the First World War. Votes: 21

Crimes against children are the most heinous crime. That, for me, would be a reason for capital punishment because children are innocent and need the guidance of an adult society. Votes: 20

The prospect of dating someone in her twenties becomes less appealing as you get older. At some point in your fife, your tolerance level goes down and you realize that, with someone much younger, there's nothing really to talk about. Votes: 18

I was an Eisenhower Republican when I started out at 21 because he promised to get us out of the Korean War. Votes: 16

My grandfather lived to be late 90s on one side and on the other side, 70s or something. And my father died young, at 63. But he didn't take very good care of himself. Votes: 15

My uncle played rugby, and my dad played football, and they used to argue which game was the roughest - and everybody agreed rugby was. It's a great team sport, and to be successful, every person has to play in the same level. Votes: 15

I'm not a New Age person, but I do believe in meditation, and for that reason I've always liked the Buddhist religion. When I've been to Japan, I've been to Buddhist temples and meditated, and I found that rewarding. Votes: 14

If you ever go to a music session, you'll notice that the musicians can sit down and start playing right away, and everyone knows what to do. Of course they're reading it, but the conductor can tweak little things, and you can take that back to directing motion pictures. Votes: 13

Alfred Hitchcock once told me, when I was analyzing a lot of things about his pictures, 'Clint, you must remember, it's only a movie.' Votes: 12

I've always felt that if I examine myself too much, I'll find out what I know and don't know, and I'll burst the bubble. I've gotten so lucky relying on my animal instincts, I'd rather keep a little bit of the animal alive. Votes: 11

I think Pebble Beach is kind of a unique place on the planet. Votes: 11

There are certain age limits on police officers. They'd have retired me out at 65. Votes: 9

When I do a picture and it's 90% black, like 'Bird,' I use 90% black people. Votes: 9

Our modern society - especially in the West, and especially now - reveres youth. Votes: 8

God gave you a brain. Do the best you can with it. And you don't have to be Einstein, but Einstein was mentally tough. He believed what he believed. And he worked out things. And he argued with people who disagreed with him. But I'm sure he didn't call everybody jerks. Votes: 8

I read every book there was on jazz, about the original players - King Oliver, Buddy Bolden and all those groups. At one time I was fairly well schooled in that... I could tell you who played where and when, historically, way before my time. Votes: 7

Let's put it this way: there wouldn't be much point in me attending a high-school reunion now because there wouldn't be anybody there. We'd struggle to raise a quorum. Votes: 7

When I was born, the economy wasn't in a great state; it was the Depression, and my father had to be quick to try and find work. Votes: 6

Whether you like it or not, you're forced to come to the realisation that death is out there. But I don't fear death, I'm a fatalist. I believe when it's your time, that's it. It's the hand you're dealt. Votes: 6

I've had no problem harnessing anger. Votes: 5

It's always appealing to play a character that has to overcome himself as well as an obstacle. It makes the drama so much deeper. Votes: 4

In school, I could hear the leaves rustle and go on a journey. Votes: 4

I'm not one of these guys who sits around saying, 'Gee, I mean, the person had a strange childhood and that's why he's doing this horrible thing. Poor Jeffrey Dahmer. He's just had a bad childhood and that's why he's eating people.' Wait a second! This person should be removed from the planet. Votes: 3

In my career as a director, there's always been some point where you get halfway through it, or three-quarters, and you go: 'What is this thing all about, and why am I telling the story? Does anybody really care about seeing this?' At that time you have to say: 'OK, forget that and just go ahead.' Votes: 3

The innocence of childhood is like the innocence of a lot of animals. Votes: 1

My mother always told me it wasn't polite to ask what people make. Votes: 1

I just make the pictures and where they fall is where they fall. If somebody likes them, that's always nice. And if they don't like them, then too bad. Votes: 1

You can't stop everything from happening. But we've gotten to a point where we're certainly trying. If a car doesn't have four hundred air bags in it, then it's no good. Votes: 1

I have a very strict gun control policy: if there's a gun around, I want to be in control of it. Votes: 0

I like working. That's when I'm feeling my best. And the people around me know that. My wife knows that. Votes: 0

Governor Romney has a great business background. He is extremely well educated. He has several degrees from Harvard, including, you know, business and including a law degree. Votes: 0

Sometimes if you want to see a change for the better, you have to take things into your own hands. Votes: 0

Politicians love regulating. That's part of the whole power structure. Votes: 0

If a person doesn't change, there's something really wrong with him. Votes: 0

Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that's real power. Votes: 0

Movies were invented for Jimmy Cagney, and he was invented for the movies. A perfect match. Votes: 0

I don't mind telling a dark side. Votes: 0

I think being able to age gracefully is a very important talent. It is too late for me. Votes: 0

It takes tremendous discipline to control the influence, the power you have over other people's lives. Votes: 0

As you get older, you're not afraid of doubt. Doubt isn't running the show. You take out all the self-agonizing. Votes: 0

I do believe in self-help. Votes: 0

You should never give up your inner self. Votes: 0

When you work with kids, especially, you want to be ready to turn the camera on at a moment's notice. Votes: 0

Movies are fun, but they are no cure for cancer. Votes: 0

I guess I'm living in the present more than the past. Votes: 0

I just don't like killing creatures. Votes: 0

Naturally, everybody has certain things they wish they hadn't done in life. They wish they hadn't kicked their dog when they were ten or something. Votes: 0

It would be great to be 105 and still making films. Votes: 0

A lot of people are realizing they had the wool pulled over their eyes by Obama. Votes: 0

You hear about actors being late and all that sort of stuff, but you never find that with an actor who's directed, because an actor who's directed understands all the problems your production is going through. Votes: 0

There was a stool there, and some fella kept asking me if I wanted to sit down. When I saw the stool sitting there, it gave me the idea. I'll just put the stool out there and I'll talk to Mr. Obama and ask him why he didn't keep all of the promises he made to everybody. Votes: 0

Everybody thinks making films back to back is a big deal but they did it all the time in the old days. Votes: 0

I love big business! Votes: 0

I've never met a genius. A genius to me is someone who does well at something he hates. Anybody can do well at something he loves - it's just a question of finding the subject. Votes: 0

I became a Republican in 1951, the first year I could vote. Votes: 0

Winning the election is a good-news, bad-news kind of thing. Okay, now you're the mayor. The bad news is, now you're the mayor. Votes: 0

The stronger the participation of the female characters, the better the movie. They knew that in the old days, when women stars were equally as important as men. Votes: 0

People love westerns worldwide. There's something fantasy-like about an individual fighting the elements. Or even bad guys and the elements. It's a simpler time. There's no organized laws and stuff. Votes: 0

I'm not a reality-TV kind of guy. But it's almost like we're living in a reality show. Every day in this country, everybody keeps worrying about the deterioration of America, and it's like a big reality show. Votes: 0

I'm not afraid to look bad on the screen. Votes: 0

I always thought of myself as a character actor. I never thought of myself as a leading man. Votes: 0

Everybody accuses me of moving fast when I direct a picture. I don't move fast, but I just keep moving. Votes: 0

It's much more fun to play something you're nothing like than what you are... It's much easier to hide yourself in a character. Votes: 0

Every picture has its own demands, and every picture stimulates something within you to tell it a certain way. I don't know what that is; I don't think too much about that. Votes: 0

I'm a movie maker, but I have the same feelings as the average guy out there. Votes: 0

I love stories about women. Votes: 0

I've taken advantage of a few breaks that came along and moved along with them. Votes: 0

As I get older, I tend to put more into family than I used to. Votes: 0

I grew up with J. Edgar Hoover. He was the G-man, a hero to everybody, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation was the big, feared organization. He was ahead of his time as far as building up forensic evidence and fingerprinting. But he took down a lot of innocent people, too. Votes: 0

I am a good listener. I think that came from my schooling. Votes: 0

This film cost $31 million. With that kind of money I could have invaded some country. Votes: 0

They say all marriages are made in heaven, but so are thunder and lightning. Votes: 0

Abuse of power isn't limited to bad guys in other nations. It happens in our own country if we're not vigilant. Votes: 0

There's a lot of great movies that have won the Academy Award, and a lot of great movies that haven't. You just do the best you can. Votes: 0

Most people are afraid of change. But if you look at it as something you can always count on, then it can be a comfort. Votes: 0

You see, in this world, there's two kinds of people, my friend - those with loaded guns, and those who dig. You dig. Votes: 0

Go ahead, make my day. Votes: 0

Of course we all know Biden is the intellect of the Democratic Party. Kind of a grin with a body behind it. Votes: 0

We are like boxers, one never knows how much longer one has Votes: 0

Buzzards got to eat, same as the worms. Votes: 0

You have to teach yourself to act but Michael Chekhov will give you the necessary tools - and for me, Psychological Gesture and Centers are extremely valuable They work like a charm. I've used them all along and still do. Votes: 0

I'm not a chick-flick enthusiast. Votes: 0

I'm past doing one chin-up more than I did the day before. I just kind of do what I feel like. Votes: 0

I don't believe in pessimism. If something doesn't come up the way you want, forge ahead. If you think it's going to rain, it will. Votes: 0

I pay tribute to the writing always. The writer is a creative artist and the director is an interpretive artist and the actors are interpretive. You take zero and make it into something, that's always amazing to me. Votes: 0

I have great respect for the FBI, and I know that there have been some rumors lately that the FBI was disenchanted because of what we were doing in story, or doing a certain take: that's not true. Actually the FBI was tremendously enthusiastic about us doing [ J. Edgar Hoover ] film. Votes: 0

Are you going to pull those pistols or whistle Dixie? Votes: 0

What do you want me to tell Romney? I can't tell him to do that. I can't tell him to do that to himself. You're crazy. You're absolutely crazy. You're getting as bad as Biden. Votes: 0

I always like to try different things, different genres; stories that have a dramatic element and can generate conflict which I find appealing; where the characters have to overcome obstacles. That kind of thing is challenging. Votes: 0

I'm interested in the fact that the less secure a man is, the more likely he is to have extreme prejudice. Votes: 0

Extremism is so easy. You've got your position, and that's it. It doesn't take much thought. And when you go far enough to the right you meet the same idiots coming around from the left. Votes: 0

You have to steal a lot. You have to have a criminal mentality to be a film director. Votes: 0

Even people on the liberal side are starting to worry about going off a fiscal cliff. Votes: 0

I'm not really conservative. I'm conservative on certain things. I believe in less government. I believe in fiscal responsibility and all those things that maybe Republicans used to believe in but don't any more. Votes: 0

I guess it's like trying to put through the flat tax, which is probably my favorite one of all.... if we did pass it, all of a sudden, what do you have? You have the whole tax system run by a little old lady on a home computer, doing the work of all these thousands of bureaucrats and accountants. Passing that would be amazing, wouldn't it? Votes: 0

In recent times it just seems that women have been relegated to either romantic roles or fluff pieces. So the appeal, for me, is to make a picture about a real woman. Votes: 0

When anybody gives you an award, it could be wrong. You've just got to bear that it mind and go ahead and enjoy it. Like Morgan [Freeman] says, it's a pat on the back, so great you'll take it and then move on. Votes: 0

My old drama coach used to say, 'Don't just do something, stand there.' Gary Cooper wasn't afraid to do nothing. Votes: 0

If I'd had good discipline, I might have gone into music. Votes: 0

I had three points I wanted to make: That not everybody in Hollywood is on the left, that Obama has broken a lot of the promises he made when he took office, and that the people should feel free to get rid of any politician who's not doing a good job. But I didn't make up my mind exactly what I was going to say until I said it. Votes: 0

There's only one way to have a happy marriage and as soon as I learn what it is I'll get married again. Votes: 0

Overnight stardom can be harmful to your mental health. Yeah. It has ruined a lot of people. Votes: 0

President Obama is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people. Votes: 0

If you read any of the biographies on J. Edgar Hoover, you find that they contradict each other more than they agree. Often times, they're often told from a political perspective. Votes: 0

[ J. Edgar]Hoover, I'm sure, felt that he was right in everything he did and even the things that we don't like about his character. Votes: 0

There are so many parallels in society today [with era of J. Edgar Hoover ] that you can use, whether it's the head of a studio or the head of an organization, a major newspaper, a major factory or company, of people who stay too long, maybe, and overstay their usefulness. Votes: 0

That's the secret to a movie career - just keeping an open mind. Votes: 0

Nobody, I mean nobody, puts ketchup on a hot dog. Votes: 0

Over my career I played some badass characters. So, people sometimes think I should have a .44 magnum. But that's not true, I don't have that. But I do fire them and I do enjoy target shooting and all that sort of thing. I'm not much of a hunter. I don't like killing animals, but I love to shoot. Votes: 0

Historically, actors have been made very famous for roles that were something that was far - - Richard Widmark comes to mind (playing Tommy Udo in "Kiss of Death") or something like that, where you do some famous role and everybody imitates you for the rest of your life. But obviously it's much more fun to play something you're not than it is to play something you are. Votes: 0

I was drafted during the Korean War. Votes: 0

I would just like to say something, ladies and gentlemen. Something that I think is very important. It is that, you, we - we own this country. We - we own it. It is not you owning it, and not politicians owning it. Politicians are employees of ours. Votes: 0

Well, if you're waitin' for a woman to make up her mind, you may have a a long wait. Votes: 0

I was kind of a little disappointed when they started building a competition between Marty (Martin Scorsese) and me. I have the greatest respect for him and all the films he's done over the years. Votes: 0

The most gentle people in the world are macho males, people who are confident in their masculinity and have a feeling of well-being in themselves. They don't have to kick in doors, mistreat women, or make fun of gays. Votes: 0

Kids piercing themselves, piercing their tongues, what kind of masochism is that? Is it to show you can just take it? Votes: 0

What I think the mentor gets is the great satisfaction of helping somebody along, helping somebody take advantage of an opportunity that maybe he or she did not have. Votes: 0

You are always hoping that movie audiences are interested in characters and interested in story values rather than just mindless special effects. But you never know. Votes: 0

Children teach you that you can still be humbled by life, that you learn something new all the time. That's the secret to life, really: never stop learning. It's the secret to career. I'm still working because I learn something new all the time. It's the secret to relationships. Never think you've got it all. Votes: 0

Great stories teach you something. That's one reason I haven't slipped into some sort of retirement: I always feel like I'm learning something new. Votes: 0

Just trust your instincts. There's an old saying in golf, you've studied the swing many times, and you practice and practice, but when you stand over the ball, you just have to trust your swing. And you trust it. And if you don't trust it, you'll ruin it; your brain will take over. Votes: 0

One day we will look back and realize that the Barack Obama Presidency was the biggest fraud ever perpetrated on the American people. Votes: 0

I don't believe in pessimism. Votes: 0

A lot of people regret, because we live in a society that reveres being at the prime of life and everything, but you have certain primes at certain times, and mine happens to be... Votes: 0

I know what you're thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I've kinda lost track myself. But being as this is a .44 magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, punk? Votes: 0

The country has come a long way in race relations, but the pendulum swings so far back. Everyone wants to be so sensitive. Votes: 0

I guess any movie actor can become a role model for audiences out there who enjoy him. Votes: 0

I like Italian movies. I was frequently there in the '60s, in Rome and the vicinity. It was a great period in life. I was very influenced by their stuff. Votes: 0

Tomorrow is promised to no one. Votes: 0

I don't wanna need you because I can't have you. Votes: 0

I liked Vittorio De Sica a lot, and I got to work with him once in a segment movie. He was a great director. He was a very charismatic character and a guy I watched a lot when he was directing. Votes: 0

Politicians have to make unpopular decisions. Schwarzenegger is going to understand the nature of his job. I wish him good luck, he's going to need it. It's going to be difficult for him. Votes: 0

Self-respect leads to self-discipline. Votes: 0

Actors know, with me they aren't going to be allowed to rehearse a scene for a couple of hours and then get away with doing 25 takes before we get it right. So they come with their full bag of tricks. Votes: 0

The reason I still work at this stage of life is because I enjoy learning something new each day. Votes: 0

I'm always trying to tackle subjects that tax me and make me think. That's the key to staying young at heart. The brain has to be exercised the same as the rest of the body. Votes: 0

I tried being reasonable, I didn't like it. Votes: 0

I don't think I've met anyone with a stronger work ethic than Ray Charles. Votes: 0

When you listen to Ray Charles, there's never any doubt whose voice that is. Votes: 0

I've got to learn French because I've been going there for years and still, the only words I know are the swear words. Votes: 0

Nowadays, politically, everybody is promising everything. That's the only way you can get elected. Votes: 0

Let's not go and ruin it by thinking too much. Votes: 0

Prime time for men is, say, 35 to 45. Then they level off and fall off. Votes: 0

If you want a guarantee, buy a toaster. Votes: 0

The guys who won World War II and that whole generation have disappeared, and now we have a bunch of teenage twits. Votes: 0

If you cast a film incorrectly, then you're going to be fighting an uphill battle. Votes: 0

Casting a film is to me one of the most important things next to the writing. If you cast it properly everything takes place very easily. If you cast it improperly you're fighting an uphill battle. Votes: 0

I try to stick to a vegan diet heavy on fruit and vegetables. Votes: 0

I take vitamins daily, but just the bare essentials not what you'd call supplements. I try to stick to a vegan diet heavy on fruit, vegetables, tofu, and other soy products. Votes: 0

There are a lot of conservative people, a lot of moderate people, Republicans, Democrats, in Hollywood. It is just that the conservative people by the nature of the word itself play closer to the vest. They do not go around hot dogging it. Votes: 0

I've had moments when I've thought about somebody, picked up the phone to call them and they are on the line already, and I think that maybe there's some vibration, some connection. Votes: 0

The fact is, violence is not only not a beautiful thing, but it's also very painful and not without consequences for the perpetrator as well as the victim. Votes: 0

You have to be realistic about where you are in life and enjoy it. Votes: 0

You know when you're young and you see a play in high school, and the guys all have gray in their hair and they're trying to be old men and they have no idea what that's like? It's just that stupid the other way around. Votes: 0

I was always respectful of people who were deeply religious because I always felt that if they gave themselves to it, then it had to be important to them. But if you can go through life without it, that's OK, too. It's whatever suits you. Votes: 0

I will never win an Oscar, and do you know why? First of all, because I'm not Jewish. Secondly, I make too much money for all those old farts in the Academy. Votes: 0

I am certainly not politically affiliated with Mr. Obama. Votes: 0

The only black battalion on Iwo Jima was a small munitions supply unit that came to the beach. Votes: 0

In the Bay Area, there was a resurgence of Dixieland jazz in the '40s - there was the Frisco Jazz Band, and Lu Watters and the Yerba Buena Jazz Band. Votes: 0

Romney and Ryan would do a much better job running the country, and that's what everybody needs to know. Votes: 0

Plagiarism is always the biggest thing in Hollywood. Votes: 0

I knew Billy Wilder socially and would have loved to work with him. Votes: 0

If you're doing a biography, you try to stay as accurate as possible to reality. But you really don't know what was going on in the person's mind. You just know what was going on in the minds of people around him. Votes: 0

The U.S. military was segregated 'til the Korean War, and the blacks in World War Two were totally segregated. Votes: 0

We boil at different degrees. Votes: 0

We are like boxers, one never knows how much longer one has. Votes: 0

I do believe in the energy and the productivity of the American business world. Votes: 0

Comedy isn't necessarily all dialogue. Think of Buster Keaton: the poker face and all this chaos going on all around him. Sometimes it's a question of timing, of the proper rhythm. Votes: 0

If you're really satisfied with your position on something, you just say, 'Hey;' you just very calmly present something. Votes: 0

I don't like to see a president who is just out campaigning all year long or for the last four years. I'd like to see somebody who's going in the office. In fact, I'd like to not see them because that way you'd be sure that they'd be working. Votes: 0

Just try not to ingest a lot of fats, and just try to eat carefully. Votes: 0

My whole life has been one big improvisation. Votes: 0

When I was growing up, I wasn't an extrovert. If anything, I was an introverted kid and a very average pupil at school. I was very quiet. Votes: 0

My wife used to be an anchorwoman in Arizona, so she knew John McCain, and she liked him, and I kinda liked him. Votes: 0

I was drafted during the Korean War. None of us wanted to go... It was only a couple of years after World War II had ended. We said, 'Wait a second? Didn't we just get through with that?' Votes: 0

I mean, I've always been a libertarian. Leave everybody alone. Let everybody else do what they want. Just stay out of everybody else's hair. Votes: 0

I just think it is important that you realize, that you're the best in the world. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican or whether you're libertarian or whatever, you are the best. And we should not ever forget that. And when somebody does not do the job, we got to let them go. Votes: 0

There's a rebel lying deep in my soul. Votes: 0

I think our politicians could learn a lot from Mandela. Votes: 0

You make a movie, and if somebody reads something into it, then great, more power to him. Votes: 0

On 'Mystic River,' I had to cut my salary and everyone else's to get it made. Votes: 0

'Mystic River' just smelled interesting to me. So I read it and liked it right away. Even the dialogue in it was great. Votes: 0

I'm not really a Hollywood person. Not that I don't like L.A., but I'm just a Northern California guy. Votes: 0

I never sympathise with the accused unless there's a chance the accused is not guilty, but I certainly don't ever sympathise with the criminal. Votes: 0

It's a very confusing era that we're in. Votes: 0

When you're young, you're very reckless. Then you get conservative. Then you get reckless again. Votes: 0

I've always said the one advantage an actor has of converting to a director is that he's been in front of the camera. He doesn't have to get in front of the camera again, subliminally or otherwise. Votes: 0

The craving for information is so huge now, and it can be marketed at such a rapid rate. Votes: 0

I think kids are natural actors. You watch most kids; if they don't have a toy, they'll pick up a stick and make a toy out of it. Kids will daydream all the time. Votes: 0

Fate pulls you in different directions. Votes: 0

Liberals are not always so liberal with people who disapprove - disapprove of their point of view. Votes: 0

Unforgiven' is probably an example of a script that I liked right away but thought, 'This is great, but I'd like to do this when I'm older.' So I stuck it in the drawer for ten years and then took it out. Votes: 0

Hoover was a patriot in his heart, but he definitely exceeded his power. Votes: 0

My dad was fiscally conservative, and I was influenced by that. He didn't believe in spending more than you had because it gets you into trouble. Votes: 0

I want the troops from Great Britain and the U.S. to be successful, but by the same token, Afghanistan has always been a screw-up. Votes: 0

I've always been fascinated with the stealing of innocence. It's the most heinous crime, and certainly a capital crime if there ever was one. Votes: 0

You have to feel confident. If you don't, then you're going to be hesitant and defensive, and there'll be a lot of things working against you. Votes: 0

The less secure a man is, the more likely he is to have extreme prejudice. Votes: 0

There's no real excuse for being successful enough as an actor to do what you want and then selling out. You do it pure. You don't try to adapt it, make it commercial. Votes: 0

I keep working because I learn something new all the time. Votes: 0

In 'Gran Torino,' I play a guy who's racially offensive. But he learned. It shows that you're never too old to learn and embrace people that you don't understand to begin with. It seems like nobody else got that message, I guess. Votes: 0

In past generations, people would try to play younger than they really are. My trick is, I don't try to play younger than I really am. Votes: 0

There are two kinds of people in this world. 'I' people and 'we' people. I've always tried to be a 'we' person. Votes: 0

Other than obvious errors like forgetting a line, often I can't see any difference between take one and take 20. Votes: 0

I hate to see anybody sink. I hate to see anybody lose their dream, lose their home, something like that. Votes: 0

Stage actors are usually much more conscious of speaking up and making sure that everyone can hear in the back of the theatre; a film actor probably thinks of that a little less. Votes: 0

An awful lot of good movies have gone unrecognized, and an awful lot of bad movies have had tremendous recognition. As long as you keep that in mind, you are never really disappointed. Votes: 0

Participating in a gun buy-back program because you think that criminals have too many guns is like having yourself castrated because you think your neighbors have too many kids. Votes: 0

Maybe I`m getting to the age when I`m starting to be senile or nostalgic or both, but people are so angry now. You used to be able to disagree with people and still be friends. Now you hear these talk shows, and everyone who believes differently from you is a moron and an idiot - both on the Right and the Left. Votes: 0

The casting is the most important thing. If you cast a picture really well a lot of things take care of themselves. You get actors that like to give a lot to the role and who appreciate the role on the same level that you do. If you miscast it, you're working an uphill battle a little bit and maybe you can come out okay but you can't always come out great. Votes: 0

You have to go with your instincts. Votes: 0

The more time you have to think things through, the more you have to screw it up. Votes: 0

When a naked man is chasing a woman through an alley with a butcher knife and a hard-on, I figure he isn't out collecting for the Red Cross. Votes: 0

Improvise, Adapt and Overcome! Votes: 0

It's what people know about themselves inside that makes them afraid. Votes: 0

Take your work seriously, but don't take yourself seriously Votes: 0

A lot of people are bored of all the political correctness. Votes: 0

You, me...we own this country. Politicians are employees of ours....And when somebody does not do the job, we got to let them go. Votes: 0

It's a hell of a thing, killing a man. You take away all he's got and all he's ever gonna have. Votes: 0

Always keep your ego in check and not be afraid to listen. Listening is a great art form. Votes: 0

These people who are making a big deal out of gay marriage? I don't give a f*** about who wants to get married to anybody else! Why not?! We're making a big deal out of things we shouldn't be making a deal out of. They go on and on with all this bulls*** about "sanctity" - don't give me that sanctity crap! Just give everybody the chance to have the life they want. Votes: 0

Nothing wrong with shooting...as long as the right people get shot. Votes: 0

What happened is I was going to college in 1950. L. A. City College. A guy I knew was going to an acting class on Thursday nights. He started telling me about all the good-lookin' chicks and said, "Why don't you go with me?" So I probably had some motivation beyond thoughts of being an actor. And sure enough, he was right. There were a lot of girls and not many guys. I said, "Yeah, they need me here." I wound up at Universal as a contract player. Votes: 0

If you're afraid to take risks in anything in life, it's just boredom. Votes: 0

It's always fun to talk about jazz. Votes: 0

I haven't killed anybody all day. Help me keep it that way. Votes: 0

When you're making a film you start living with it, and I find myself sitting down and figuring out a sound or melody that would go with a film, or a particular period. It's not brain surgery, you just kind of feel it along. Votes: 0

I'm more focused on making a scene seem real as opposed to perfect. Votes: 0

You spend your life training to be an actor, observing people's characteristics so that you can design characters around what you've seen. Votes: 0

Once a man has some money, peace begins to sound good to him. Votes: 0

Fate pulls you in different directions Votes: 0

There are two kinds of actors -- one sits in a dressing room waiting for his call and the other gets out into the business and polishes his craft by absorbing everything. I don't know enough, I'll never learn everything I need to learn. When a guy thinks he's already learned it, he can only go backwards. Votes: 0

Every once and a while somebody writes a script, but even regardless of what age you are, most of the actors would all agree that it's all based upon material and the material has got to spark with you. It may be great material but you think it's great material for somebody else. Or it's great material and I'm perfect for it. So, you just have to make that judgment and if you feel in the mood to do it. Votes: 0

Directing is more like you're being a psychologist and you're kind of analyzing the situation and evaluating each person for their idiosyncrasies. Votes: 0

Today, the only thing Hollywood swears by is space adventures because that's what goes over well. For my part, I trust my instinct and I make the films I believe in. If the public follows me, that's wonderful. If it doesn't follow, "c'est la vie. Votes: 0

No, I don't have to practice that grunt. You just do it. Once you're in character, you're in character. You don't sit there purposely thinking, Well, I'll grunt here, or I'll groan there. Votes: 0

The interesting thing with child actors is that kids are natural actors. They're wonderful actors, and most kids are acting all the time. They're imagining they're out in the yard playing. They're imagining that things happened, and they can get very vivid. Votes: 0

The main thing is to do each project the way you want, and if they find an audience, that's terrific. And if they don't, there's nothing you can do anyway, so don't let it concern you that much. An awful lot of good movies have done badly and an awful lot of bad movies have done very well. There are no real rhymes or reasons for it. Sometimes the stars don't always align right. But if you've done the best you can, you feel pretty good about it. Votes: 0

That's why I don't rehearse a lot and why I shoot a lot immediately. I have ideas of where I'd like to take the character, but we both end up going together. Votes: 0

I don't like showing the technique. I don't like people who say, "Here, I'm going to act, but first I have to bounce off this wall." If you have to bounce off the wall, do it by yourself. Don't feature the technique. My old drama coach used to say, "Don't just do something, stand there." Gary Cooper wasn't afraid to do nothing. Votes: 0

Acting to me is a very organic art form and you just go and do it. And I like to direct the same way that I like to be directed. Let me bring in what I want to bring in, and if something's wrong, just tell me about it and I'll make some corrections or adjustments. And that's what I do. Votes: 0

I'm a great supporter of transcendental meditation. I've been using it for almost 40 years now - and I think it's a great tool for anyone to have, to be able to utilize as a tool for stress. Stress, of course, comes with almost every business. I think there are enough studies out there that show that TM is something that could benefit anybody. It's a great system to use. Otherwise, why would I've been doing it for all these years, for almost half of my life? Votes: 0

Whatever the drama of the story is, you have to be true to it. Votes: 0

If you feel like you've got something to offer you should do it while the iron's hot. Votes: 0

I never expect anything. I am always amazed at why anybody goes to any movie or why anybody doesn't go to any movie. Any movie you make, you make it because you're hoping somebody wants to see it, but you never know. Votes: 0

I'd like to be a bigger and more knowledgeable person ten years from now than I am today. I think that for all of us as we grow older, we must discipline ourselves to continue expanding, broadening, learning, keeping our minds active and open. Votes: 0

Michael Moore and I actually have a lot in common. We both appreciate living in a country where there's free expression. But Michael, if you ever show up at my front door with a camera, I'll kill you. I mean it. Votes: 0

Everything that you do is a challenge. And acting is just building up your concentration and being able to listen and to do the ridiculous. Votes: 0

Writing is a creative art form and the acting and directing is more of an interpretive art form. Votes: 0

Once you finish a film, it doesn't belong to you anymore - it belongs to the audience to interpret it the way they feel like interpreting. Votes: 0

I'm a firm believer in research, but I'm also a firm believer in utilizing the instincts that are within your soul or in your body or in your stomach, wherever they reside. Votes: 0

Being comfortable is over-rated. Votes: 0

Don Siegel last advice to me was 'Don't short yourself.' He said the tendency is when an actor's directing is to kind of you want to work on everybody else but you're going to short yourself. He said, take the time to do a good job with yourself so that you're satisfied with it. Votes: 0

You have to trust your instincts. There is a moment when an actor has it, and he knows it. Votes: 0

When I see a story, I ask: is this something I'd like to be in? Is this something I'd like to see? And if I'd like to see it, would I like to tell it? Votes: 0

Every movie I make teaches me something. That's why I keep making them. Votes: 0

A good man always knows his limitations. Votes: 0

A talented executive would be somebody who knows how to surround themselves with a lot of people that will make him look good. You could say that about a politician or you could say that about a head of a major corporation or what have you. The people you surround yourself with are very important. Votes: 0

I like the inspiration of the first take. Votes: 0

I'm trying to preach the idea that if we don't pay attention to history we're destined to repeat it. Votes: 0

Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have messed with? That's me. Votes: 0

My wife is my closest friend. Sure, I'm attracted to her in every way possible, but that's not the answer. Because I've been attracted to other people, and I couldn't stand 'em after a while. Votes: 0

Over the years, I realized there was a Republican philosophy that I liked. And then they lost it. And LIBERTARIANS had more of it. Because what I really believe is, let's spend a little more time leaving everybody alone. Votes: 0

Music does have a very special place in my heart. I enjoy it very much. I suppose it is my first love and I do a lot of it. It seems to be when you are making a project it inspires you sometimes to jot down something that you think fits the situation. Votes: 0

I always revered people that I thought had an idea and proceeded through with it. I guess I've been that way since the day I called my father and told him I was going to study acting and maybe try to see if I could do well with that, and he told me: "Don't do that. You don't want to do that, that's just dream stuff. Get a legitimate job and move forward." Votes: 0

After directing awhile, you get an instinct about it, but you have to be able to trust your own feelings. Invariably, two-thirds of the way through a film, you say, "Jeezus, is this a pile of crap! What did I ever see in it in the first place?" You have to shut off your brain and forge ahead, because by that time you're getting so brainwashed. Once I commit myself to a film I commit myself to that ending, whatever the motivations and conclusions are. Votes: 0

I know what you're thinking 'Did he fire six shots or only five? Votes: 0

Dying ain't much of a living, boy Votes: 0

I always liked characters that were more grounded in reality. Votes: 0

When you hang a man, you better look at him. Votes: 0

First, I blow a hole in your face; then I go back inside, and sleep like a baby... I guarantee you. Votes: 0

I'm just a kid - I've got a lot of stuff to do yet. Votes: 0

Do ya' feel lucky, punk? Votes: 0

Opinions are like a**holes, everybody has one. Votes: 0

I am sort of anti-hunting. I don't put down what anyone wants to do, but it seems to me that killing a creature for fun is not a progressive idea. Votes: 0

If somebody's dumb enough to ask me to go to a political convention and say something, they're gonna have to take what they get. Votes: 0

My father had a couple of kids at the beginning of the Depression. There was not much employment. Not much welfare. People barely got by. People were tougher then. Votes: 0

When you're making a movie, you can't think anybody will ever see it. You've just got to make a movie for the values it has. The greatest films were made because someone really wanted to make them. And, hopefully, the audience will show up, too. Votes: 0

There's a rebel lying deep in my soul. Anytime anybody tells me the trend is such and such, I go the opposite direction. I hate the idea of trends. I hate imitation; I have a reverence for individuality. Votes: 0

Aging can be fun if you lay back and enjoy it. Votes: 0

Drama usually has some sort of intense conflict. Votes: 0

The thing that haunts a man the most is what he isn’t ordered to do. Votes: 0

I've done a few special effects movies in my life, so I've gotten that out of my system. Votes: 0

When I was young there was no respect for the young, and now that I am old there is no respect for the old Votes: 0

I am not a regret type person. I don't believe in regrets. Lots of things you would do differently if you'd do it again, but you don't do it again, so you don't think about it. But that goes for life in general. You're only dealing with the knowledge you have at that time. Votes: 0

I was always annoyed by too much explaining. Votes: 0

Twenty-some states in the United States have statutes that say showing the nipples to children is oscene. That's the first thing we come into contact with when we arrive on this palnet: a woman's breasts! Votes: 0

There is an interesting idea: almost everybody's fascinated by the perpetrator of a crime; very few people study what happens to people for the rest of their lives, and how it affects not only that particular character but other characters around him as well. Votes: 0

I think it is more important to tell a story rather than follow any trend; that is a less bold way to go. If you do that [follow trends] you are just trying to ride on the coat tails of someone else's success. Votes: 0

There's nothing like a nice piece of hickory, Votes: 0

To me cinema can be a much more friendly world if there's a lot of things to choose from. Votes: 0

At Waco, was there really an urgency to get those people out of the compound at that particular time? Was the press going to make it look heroic for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms? At Ruby Ridge, there was one guy in a cabin at the top of the mountain. Was it necessary for federal agents to go up there and shoot a 14-year-old in the back and shoot a woman with a child in her arms? What kind of mentality does that? Votes: 0

Abuse of power isn't limited to 'bad guys' in other nations. It happens in our own country. Those in power get jaded, deluded, and seduced by power itself. I have a reverence for individuality. I've always considered myself too individualistic to be either right-wing or left-wing. I like the libertarian view, which is to leave everyone alone. People should be able to be what they want to be and do what they want - as long as they're not harming other people. I am a libertarian. Votes: 0

I don't see myself as conservative, but I'm not ultra-leftist. You build a philosophy of your own. I like the libertarian view, which is to leave everyone alone. Even as a kid, I was annoyed by people who wanted to tell everyone how to live. Votes: 0

I have a small child. Being a parent takes a lot of time. People always ask me, "What movies have you watched lately?" I tell them, "Finding 'Nemo' ... 'Shrek' ... Votes: 0

If you approach a film with the feeling that you are going to have some impact on society then you're liable to get carried away with yourself. Alfred Hitchcock once told me, when I was analyzing a lot of things about his pictures, "Clint, you must remember, it's only a movie. Votes: 0

Having the security of being in a series week in, week out gives you great flexibility; you can experience with yourself, try a different scene different ways. If you make a mistake one week, you can look at it and say, 'Well, I won't do that again,' and you're still on the air next week. Votes: 0

If you think it's going to rain, it will. Votes: 0

Everybody's got a right to be a sucker ... once. Votes: 0

Men must know their limitations. Votes: 0

Hollywood seems to succumb to fads. Well, action films do well. Give me violence. Give me a scene where there's a couple of car chases or shooting and stuff like that. They're forgetting the fact that there's a basic structure to a story that is essential to making it really broad and appealing. Votes: 0

The best part of aging in this business is losing that obsession about work and being able to spend a little more time with family. Votes: 0

Libertarian: everyone leaves everyone else alone Votes: 0

They've got this crazy actor who's 82 years old up there in a suit. I was a mayor, and they're probably thinking I know how to give a speech, but even when I was mayor I never gave speeches. I gave talks. Votes: 0

My mother knew how to read music and everything. But I just kinda learned off of records. And so, I was listening to records and I'd play 'em over and over. Votes: 0

I can't do that to myself! Votes: 0

You take the work seriously, you don't take yourself seriously. You keep that straight and you'll do well the rest of your life. Votes: 0

If a person is confident enough in the way they feel, whether it's an art form or whether it's just in life, it comes off---you don't have anything to prove; you can just be who you are. Votes: 0

A Love like this happens but once in a lifetime Votes: 0

You always want to quit while you are ahead. You don't want to be like a fighter who stays too long in the ring until you're not performing at your best. Votes: 0

You know I've had people come up and ask me to sign their guns. Sign my name on gun handles and holsters and stuff. I've done it once or twice for law enforcement officials, but when people do that -- and there have been quite a few of them lately -- I always tell them no. I don't want to do that. I don't want my name on that and I hope you use this gun, whatever its purpose is, I hope it's used wisely. Votes: 0

I don't really get into a big intellectual analysis of why I am going to do a certain script or not. Votes: 0

I love every aspect of the creation of motion pictures and I guess I am committed to it for life. Votes: 0

There's a lot of young guys coming along, but I'd like to say to the various financiers, don't forget the senior guys. The senior guys and gals are there, willing to do their best work for you. Votes: 0

When I look back on my life, I don't have regrets about what I didn't do. If I'd become a musician, it could have ruined my life. Votes: 0

Keep your eyes on the horizon and your nose to the wind. Votes: 0

I like to direct the same way that I like to be directed. Votes: 0

Nobody looks like they did when they were 20, so why not take advantage of the fact that you're changing, emotionally as well as physically? Votes: 0

I never considered myself a cowboy, because I wasn`t. But I guess when I got into cowboy gear I looked enough like one to convince people that I was. Votes: 0

My father died very suddenly at sixty-three. Just dropped dead. For a long time afterward, I'd ask myself, Why didn't I ask him to play golf more? Why didn't I spend more time with him? But when you're off trying to get the brass ring, you forget and overlook those little things. It gives you a certain amount of regret later on, but there's nothing you can do about it. So you just forge on. Votes: 0

A man's just gotta know his limits Votes: 0

None of the pictures I take a risk in cost a lot, so it doesn't take much for them to turn a profit. We don't deal in big budgets. We know what we want and we shoot it and we don't waste anything. I never understand these films that cost twenty, thirty million dollars when they could be made for half that. Maybe it's because no one cares. We care. Votes: 0

There's really no way to teach you how to act, but there is a way to teach you how to teach yourself to act. That's kind of what it is; once you learn the little tricks that work for you, pretty soon you find yourself doing that. Votes: 0

Don't look at me like I've gotten old or something like that. Votes: 0

I'm suffering from oxygen deprivation. It's overwhelming watching your career go by. Votes: 0

Things always look different from higher up. Votes: 0

Most people who'll remember me, if at all, will remember me as an action guy, which is okay. There's nothing wrong with that. But there will be a certain group which will remember me for the other films, the ones where I took a few chances. At least, I like to think so. Votes: 0

Let's take the work seriously, and not ourselves seriously. Votes: 0

Hollywood, as everyone knows, glamorizes physical courage. . . . if I had to define courage myself, I wouldn't say it's about shooting people. I'd say it's the quality that stimulates people, that enables them to move ahead and look beyond themselves. Votes: 0

Westerns. A period gone by, the pioneer, the loner operating by himself, without benefit of society. It usually has something to do with some sort of vengeance; he takes care of the vengeance himself, doesn't call the police. Like Robin Hood. It's the last masculine frontier. Romantic myth. I guess, though it's hard to think about anything romantic today. In a Western you can think, Jesus, there was a time when man was alone, on horseback, out there where man hasn't spoiled the land yet. Votes: 0

To me, life is like the back nine in golf. Sometimes you play better on the back nine. You may not be stronger, but hopefully you're wiser. And if you keep most of your marbles intact, you can add a note of wisdom to the coming generation. Votes: 0

The cruelty of nature is you have to work out harder when you get older ... It should be the other way around: Work out hard when you're a kid you should be able to coast when you get older. But unfortunately you have to do more to stay in the same position. Votes: 0

The main thing is, you just want to have your place in history. You hope that people will look back on it in 15, 20, 30 and beyond years, and say, "That was an exciting film." Votes: 0

If you get a certain amount of notoriety for doing something, and you can stick to that type of project for the rest of your life and make a decent living, I think you still have a responsibility to stretch. Flexibility is what keeps you alive. Votes: 0

The reason I don't retire is that I learn something new every day. The brain has to be exercised the same as the rest of the body. It's about expanding, constantly pushing yourself. Votes: 0

Every man has got to know his limitations. Votes: 0

It's not about you. It's about them. Votes: 0

Actors know what actors are insecure about - and they're all insecure. Votes: 0

Every story has its demands. Votes: 0

Society is at odds with itself. Votes: 0

I haven't been very active in politics. Votes: 0

Listen, punk. To me you're nothin' but dogshit, you understand? And a lot of things can happen to dogshit. It can be scraped up with a shovel off the ground. It can dry up and blow away in the wind. Or it can be stepped on and squashed. So take my advice and be careful where the dog shits ya! Votes: 0

I couldn't tell you exactly what I like about golf. Just when you think you've got it mastered it lets you know you haven't. I'm just crazy enough to do it. Votes: 0

People have lost their sense of humor. In former times, we constantly made jokes about different races. Votes: 0

I still work out on a daily basis. Votes: 0

Pose? I don't pose. What am I? Paris Hilton or something? Votes: 0

I'm so glad for the dozens of times I haven't listened along the way. Votes: 0

If you don't pay attention to history, you're destined to repeat it. Votes: 0

Everybody wants to make something they think is a surefire winner, though nobody knows what a surefire winner is, in my opinion. Votes: 0

If you can make a good picture that actually has some substance, that's doubly good nowadays 'cause most everybody else is trying to address how many CGI plates we're gonna do, what little being is gonna come in from another asteroid... Votes: 0

I don't know how everybody else feels, but I just long for reality rather than these made-up things. Votes: 0

I had one well known director who kept saying, "Now Clint, this is what ...." And I'd say, "I know. I read the script. I'm the one who cast you as the director. Let me show you and you'll correct me if I'm wrong." Votes: 0

Acting is an animal thing, not an intellectual thing. Votes: 0

As you get older, you change certain things. Votes: 0

If the director's a communist, whatever, he's a communist. All I care is that he directs. For the actor, the same thing. All you really care is that he comes in and performs. Votes: 0

I've never been on a movie where they play five-dollar Friday. I must not be very observant. Votes: 0

Nobody wants to make something that displeases people, but once you make a film, that's out of your control and you can't think about that. You just have to follow your head and make sure that you're satisfied by putting down what you intended. Votes: 0

You definitely do not do films for that particular reason. You do them for yourself, for your satisfaction of creating this thing with characters and watching these characters take on real life - that's all you care about. Votes: 0

You get to a certain age and you're just glad to be there. I don't know what to add to that. It's fun. You have to be a realist, so you try to look for roles that are within the age you are. Votes: 0

I would like to be interpreted as a liberal libertarian, like leave everybody alone and let them do their own thing. Votes: 0

You change as the years go by. The more knowledge you get, the more things change in your life and circumstances change. Votes: 0

In America, instead of making the audience come to the film, the idea seems to be for you to go to the audience. They come up with the demographics for the film and then the film is made and sold strictly to that audience. Votes: 0

I just don't want to copy the current trends or do movies for teenagers. I want people to get more out of movies. Votes: 0

I don't write. I usually look for material by other people. Sometimes I change things or adapt things but I don't write from scratch. I wish I had that ability. Votes: 0

I guess a great movie would be one that has the most great moments in it. Votes: 0

Hitchcock used to believe that if there were three or four memorable scenes in a film that would be enough to drive it, but I don't know if that's true or not. Votes: 0

I think great movies have to have some great moments in them to bring them up to that level. Votes: 0

Everybody puts importance in money on a film set. Votes: 0

You should just evaluate the work and make your judgments accordingly. That's the way you do it in life and every other subject. Votes: 0

I don't watch a lot of films. I'm usually involved in making them. Votes: 0

[FBI] philosophy is "Go ahead and make the story you want to make, and hopefully we'll love it." So that's that. Votes: 0

I like a drama. And I think that's the basis of good films, or good plays, is to have a nice drama. Votes: 0

With people in high office, the old - you go into the extreme, which is absolute power and absolute power corrupts. Votes: 0

I've lived through the shooting of movie, the editing and every other process along the way, so it's not for me to really judge it. I'll probably look at it again five years from now to get a fresh feel for it. Votes: 0

Acting gets into your blood, after so many years, and I just always like revisiting it. It's fun to meet new people and watch them coming along, at different stages of their careers. Votes: 0

The story [for the western genre] is everything. Whether it's a book or a screenplay, the story drives everything. And if you just go out and try to make one by putting on boots and jumping on a horse and riding off... If you don't have the material, the characters and the things to overcome and conflicts that give life to drama, you don't have it. Votes: 0

Stage actors are usually much more conscious of speaking up and making sure that everyone can hear in the back of the theatre; a film actor probably thinks of that a little less. Unfortunately, there's a style of acting going round, especially with the younger actors, where they talk without even moving their lip. Maybe it's because my hearing probably isn't what it was 40 years ago but I'm sitting there going "What did they say"? Votes: 0

I always felt blessed that I was able to make a living in a profession [acting] that not a lot of people can make a living at, and I was able to do something I liked, rather than be in a job that I hated. Votes: 0

I believe that everybody, whether you believe in the afterlife or the chance of a near-death experience and you come back and you see someone [on the other side] - whether that has happened or not, I don't know, but certainly everyone has thought about it at some point or another in time. It's a fantasy that if there is anything out there like that, it would be just terrific, but that remains to be seen. Votes: 0

Everybody always feels that they're right even if they're wrong and that's what a whole actor's career is built around rationalizing your way into whatever character you're playing. Votes: 0

I'm just naturally gravitating towards different things. As you mature, different subject matters. And as you're older, you can't play as many parts, or you shouldn't be playing the parts that you used to play. But also there's the opportunity to play parts that you couldn't have. Votes: 0

I just feel that I enjoy the work more than I ever have... or just as much certainly. I enjoy making films behind the camera equally to making them in front of the camera on all those years. I just enjoy it, that's all. I've been lucky enough to work in a profession that I have really liked and so I figured I'd just continue until someone hits me over the head and says "get out". Votes: 0

Am I aging? The pros and the cons? Well, you know a lot more, at least until the time you start forgetting it all. Actually, aging can be a fun process, to some degree. Votes: 0

I'd say, go ahead, shoot your shot. More power to ya if you can come up with a different angle on the character. Votes: 0

I found out that a lot of my liberal friends weren't liberal because they weren't liberal about approaching anybody else's ideas, or at least standing for it. They started getting really animalistic about, "I can't even associate with this guy. He's stupid. He's an idiot." Votes: 0

When you're an actor, you're so busy: people are always coming up to you and pulling your collar, making sure that things fit, brushing your hair and you're always being yanked up, so finally when you're behind a camera, you're just a slob. Votes: 0

I do believe if one keeps busy it's very good for a person. In fact, people are always rushing into retirement and we read in Europe that people there are talking about their retirement age and moving it to 67 or something. Well, back when they started retirement funds and everything, the average age was 70 or 60, and then all of a sudden now it's 80, and so.And so you keep in shape, you keep yourself mentally in shape. And if you keep yourself mentally in shape, chances are physically it will follow suit. Votes: 0

When I was a kid, I remember the first Batman, the first Superman comic books when they came out, thinking how great that was and wouldn't it be great to see a movie like that. They did some cheap serials, but they're not the same as today. But I think younger audiences would like to see a real hero also. Votes: 0

I'd been trying to retire to the back of the camera for quite a few years. And then, in 1970, when I first started directing, I if I could pull this off, I can some day just move in back of the camera and stay there. Votes: 0

We don't even know who's in the Academy. Votes: 0

There's something about the first time an actor runs the material over his or her face, when they kind of run it through their eyes and you see the thing and there is little imperfections in it and not every line is delivered perfectly, and it doesn't have that mechanical feeling. Votes: 0

When you think of a particular director, you think you would have liked to be with them on one particular film and not necessarily on some other one. Votes: 0

As a movie actor, once you've become known, you're observed all the time so you don't get the chance to observe anymore. You still get a taste of life but it's not quite the same and there's something to be said for a more anonymous life. Votes: 0

If anybody asks me what I attribute the longevity of my career to, then I say it's because I was never satisfied with being a cowboy in the plains of Spain and later I was never satisfied with just playing a detective in San Francisco, and constantly just pushing the envelope. Votes: 0

I think being able to age gracefully is a very important talent. It is too late for me. The horse is out of the barn. In past generations, people would try to play younger than they really are. My trick is, I don't try to play younger than I really am. Votes: 0

My wife and I are both Libertarian; she was a Democrat and I was a Republican, and we both met in the middle somewhere. Votes: 0

If you've done what you intended and if nobody tampered with it, then it's yours. And if people don't like it, then they just don't agree with you on that subject matter, and that's life. Votes: 0

The only reason I ever thought about retiring from the front part of the camera as opposed to the back is sometimes you think, "How many roles are there for someone my age?" Votes: 0

I just kind of had my own impressions growing up with Hoover as a heroic figure in the 40s - actually the 30s, 40s, and 50s and beyond - but this was all prior to the information age so we didn't know about Hoover except what was usually in the papers, and this was fun, because this was a chance to go into it [ during filming 'J. Edgar Hoover' ] Votes: 0

I had always planned when I started directing in 1970 that after a few years I'd get tired of looking at myself on the screen and say: "Hey, let's not do that any more." But then every once in a while something pops up. I'm not saying it won't happen again but probably the odds get less as you set yourself for roles that fit your age group. Votes: 0

I don't necessarily look for dark themes; they just seem to appear. Votes: 0

At certain points if your life, you like doing more. I'm not sure what causes it or for what reasons; you just do it. Votes: 0

All I know is there's thousands of people in the Academy and a lot of them, the majority of them, haven't won Oscars.A lot of people are crying, I guess. Votes: 0

I never look back and think too much about my films. I've done some work I've been proud of over the years but which of them is my favourite I really don't know. I could say the last one. I've had little jumps in my career like Unforgiven possibly. Votes: 0