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
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
When I first envisioned Funny Games in the mid-1990s, it was my intention to have an American audience watch the movie. It is a reaction to a certain American cinema, its violence, its naivety, the way American cinema toys with human beings. In many American films, violence is made consumable. – 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
Something like Without a Paddle does really well at the box office and Im like, Oh, here we go. In Without a Paddle Im the romantic lead – great! A comedy and thats what America wants. Then it did nothing for me and I went into kind-of a work abyss. I just didnt get another shot. – Matthew Lillard