Michael Pitt Quotes

I think in some ways you learn more from the things you don`t like than the things you do. What you want, and what you don`t want.

When actors give their input, it can be very ego-driven, and directors are scared of that.

Acting is really scary, but it`s also challenging, fun, hard work. There`s always an element of improvisation with every actor, even when something is really scripted.

All these directors who do different locations forget that one room can be shot from a million different angles and a million different ways. When I direct a movie, I`m going to use that.

I think Van Sant is the most important American director we have. He takes the most risks. He`s just pure to me.

Movie stars get paid these ridiculous amounts of money, I don`t know if they deserve it. But I think what they`re really getting paid for is not the work but all the other stuff.

You know, people want someone to tell them the answer. They want a friend, or a teacher, or a parent, but above all I guess they just want to know. And the truth is you can`t tell them, and that`s a hard thing to deal with. And it`s easy to get wrapped up in the idea that this person knows, that he will tell me what I need to know, what I need to live, because he means a lot to me.

All these directors who do different locations forget that one room can be shot from a million different angles and a million different ways. When I direct a movie, I`m going to use that.

I think in some ways you learn more from the things you don`t like than the things you do.

I feel that film, as opposed to theatre, is about capturing that one, real moment.

(On The Dreamers (2003)): I was nervous for the sex scenes. It`s tough for an American actor, because it can be looked upon very badly. It`s a serious risk to take in your career. It`s risky with the studios and with the American public. It`s looked down upon in American culture at a serious level. It could be perceived not as work but as pornography. Every time I was nervous about it, I would remind myself that possibly I was going to be a part of something that was going to change those attitudes. I don`t agree with those values at all. It`s totally fine showing someone getting their head blown off in America and you can`t show the human body. I think that shows something about the culture.

It sounds cliche, but success is your friends, your family, what you do, and if you`re happy when you wake up.

I just do movies I like. I mean, I do movies I would want to go see.

People don`t want to be plagued by not knowing-they want answers.

There`s this double standard with nudity. You can show a woman`s full anatomy, but it`s threatening and uncomfortable with guys. Gay, straight, bi or whatever, these particular people who run the country are afraid to see the beauty in things that aren`t necessarily what they think is right or whatever.

There are two kinds of directors: There`s the kind where two plus two equals four, and you have to help them figure it out. And then there`s the kind that throws you in a room, locks the door, sets the house on fire and films it.

(On his director, Bernardo Bertolucci): There are two kinds of directors: There`s the kind where two plus two equals four, and you have to help them figure it out. And then there`s the kind that throws you in a room, locks the door, sets the house on fire and films it.