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
Drama lives on conflict. If youre trying to deal with social issues seriously, theres no way of avoiding violence, which is so present in society. – Michael Haneke
To me, its far more efficient to mobilize the imagination. Its far more efficient to hear a creaking step, for example, than to see the face of a monster, which usually looks ridiculous, and where you know that the blood is ketchup. – Michael Haneke
Funny Games was conceived as a provocation. My other films are different. If people feel my other films are, or respond to them as provocation, then thats quite different. Funny Games is the only one of mine where my intention was to provoke the audience. – Michael Haneke