I'm an absolute fan of 1970s New York in films like 'Mean Streets' and 'Dog Day Afternoon.'

You need to feed yourself with emotions and life or you'll become empty.

I would rather do really good French films than 'American Pie.'

It’s physically and psychologically exhausting to make a film.

Directing remains very psychological, and it takes a lot of time and reflection. When you’re an actor, it takes less time, and you can express yourself physically.

You have to draw on your unconscious when you make a film – you can’t worry about whether it’s costing a lot of money.

I’ve had gay friends who grew up in small towns in France who had to lie for most of their lives, even to themselves. But eventually such lies become stronger than the people, and they have to face them.

Everything goes by so fast that if you want to be a part of it, you need to go that fast. But because you go that fast, you don’t lead the life you should lead.

I think it’s very boring for a director to always do the same kind of movies.

I spent all my youth with horses.