Because Im the author of my screenplays I know what Im looking for. Its true that I can be stubborn in demanding that I get what I want, but its also a question of working with patience and love. – Michael Haneke
And I dont believe that children are innocent. In fact, no one seriously believes that. Just go to a playground and watch the kids playing in the sandbox! The romantic notion of the sweet child is simply the parents projecting their own wishes. – Michael Haneke
I love actors, both my parents were actors, and the work with actors is the most enjoyable part of making a film. Its important that they feel protected and are confident they wont be betrayed. When you create that atmosphere of trust, its in the bag – the actors will do everything to satisfy you. – Michael Haneke
Mainstream cinema raises questions only to immediately provide an answer to them, so they can send the spectator home reassured. If we actually had those answers, then society would appear very different from what it is. – Michael Haneke
Ever since the Crusades, when Christians from western Europe were fighting holy wars against Muslims in the near east, western people have often perceived Islam as a violent and intolerant faith – even though when this prejudice took root Islam had a better record of tolerance than Christianity. – Karen Armstrong