Films that are entertainments give simple answers but I think thats ultimately more cynical, as it denies the viewer room to think. If there are more answers at the end, then surely it is a richer experience. – Michael Haneke
People expect me to be dark and gloomy, then write that Im a jolly chap, and after all, that is what I am. I think its a case of an absolute romantic naivety that there should be a parallel between the work and the artist. – Michael Haneke
Its unbearable when someone changes around you. Just imagine that your life partner changes, then it is difficult to cope with. Or your mother. Or your father. They were strong and now theyre like a baby – its not so funny. – Michael Haneke
Ive never let producers tell me what to do. Even when I was making television, I always did what I wanted to do, and if I couldnt, I didnt do it. It was a freedom that, these days, young directors starting out dont have. – Michael Haneke
I find increasingly that the more extreme are the things going on in your life, the more cultural reference points fail you. More mythical reference points actually help, and you realise thats what myths are for. Its for human beings to process their experience in extremis. – Michael Sheen