The first work of the director is to set a mood so that the actor's work can take place, so that the actor can create. And in order to do that, you have to communicate, communicate with the actors. And…

Quote by William Friedkin

Topics: William Friedkin Quotes

To me, film right now is dormant. It's a sleeping giant. It's the plaything of...

To me, film right now is dormant. It's a sleeping giant. It's the plaything of...

I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel pressed and tense almost...

I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel pressed and tense almost...

Violence is not funny.

Violence is not funny.

Technique is of less interest than character and story.

Technique is of less interest than character and story.

I tend to be attracted to characters who are up against a wall with very...

I tend to be attracted to characters who are up against a wall with very...

Style is something that's extremely important, but it must grow naturally out of who and...

Style is something that's extremely important, but it must grow naturally out of who and...

I really think that sex always looks kind of funny in a movie.

I really think that sex always looks kind of funny in a movie.

I really think that sex always looks kind of funny in a movie.

I really think that sex always looks kind of funny in a movie.

The informing idea of what you want to say and do, that's what will take...

The informing idea of what you want to say and do, that's what will take...

Violence is not funny.

Violence is not funny.

He opens the door with an ax

He opens the door with an ax

The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral; returning violence with...

The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral; returning violence with...

Violence commands both literature and life, and violence is always crude and distorted.

Violence commands both literature and life, and violence is always crude and distorted.

You have to show violence the way it is. If you don't show it realistically,...

You have to show violence the way it is. If you don't show it realistically,...

They can be cranky, bewildered, giddy, frustrated and sometimes moved to violence. In short, they...

They can be cranky, bewildered, giddy, frustrated and sometimes moved to violence. In short, they...

Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original...

Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original...

Violence isn't always evil. What's evil is the infatuation with violence.

Violence isn't always evil. What's evil is the infatuation with violence.

An atom blaster is a good weapon, but it can point both ways.

An atom blaster is a good weapon, but it can point both ways.

Sometimes in the dark of night I begin to think. And I wonder if Lee...

Sometimes in the dark of night I begin to think. And I wonder if Lee...

Violence is a calm that disturbs you.

Violence is a calm that disturbs you.