Michael Pitt Quotations

'Dawson's Creek' was my introduction to the industry. It put some money in my pocket and it put me in the position I wanted to be in, where I could audition for projects that I wanted to be a part of. I didn't find it creatively fulfilling in any way though.

'Boardwalk' begins literally on the first day of Prohibition, which I think was a wonderful way to start - to have the story kind of come out of this massive historical phenomenon. And the more I researched the '20s, the more I discovered just how interesting it was.

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

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.

I think in some ways you learn more from the things you don't like than the things you do.

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

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

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.

Different films have different places in people's lives. I don't get to see a lot of films, so I want to watch films I learn from.

Personally, I'm very classic. If I'm going to wear a suit, it's going to be classic, black, and fit very well. There's nothing like it.

I'm not prejudiced about what type of movies I'm in, what form they take or whether they're studio or independent. I just want to make films that are going to be good. The main reason is not to make money, although at some points it's really difficult when you're broke.

Well, the first thing I wanted to be was a carpenter. Then I wanted to be a painter and then a singer. It was when I first saw 'Lawrence of Arabia' that I wanted to be an actor.

I don't have a lot of time to surf the net and see what everyone's wearing.

There are directors who, their direction is high, but then when you challenge it, it crumbles. They can't back up what they're asking.

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

'Boardwalk' has kind of exposed me to a different demographic. And it upped my skills in terms of the speed with which I can prep a scene, and I'm excited to apply that.

A kid now can practically record a song or edit a short film on his way to school. I think that will produce, perhaps, more less-interesting things - or you'll have to search more to find the interesting things. But I also think it's exciting.

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.

I don't get to see a lot of films, so I want to watch films I learn from.

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

I'm doing a record that has a story that runs through all of the songs, and then there is also a film that goes along with it.

When people go at war they cheapen things.

If a religious person says "No, no, no" and they won't listen to science, it makes me think that they don't have faith in their own religion.

I have fun making films. I love making films. It's the only thing I know how to do. And I do it well.

In a weird way scientists understand things on a higher level but it takes a lot of dedication and a lot of time.

I think that it's important not to take [acting] too seriously. It's all pretend. It's a strange job.

I was really impressed with Naomi [Watts]. She was a producer, and she was doing things that I wasn't really aware of. The way she was able to switch from handling problems to shoot a really difficult scene, I think is a real testament to her true ability.

Some directors are very free and some directors are very specific. It seemed like doing a play.

Every director is different and they all have different styles. I've worked with directors who were very specific and they gave a lot of direction. The one thing about Michael [Haneke]that I think is interesting is that he really has a reason for everything he's asking you. If you challenge it, he is open for discussion but he has a clear idea of what he wants with reasons why.

I don't really even know what Twitter is. I know that might sound wierd to some people. I don't use social media. I make music, so I use social media...it's more helpful for me when I'm making music than as an actor.

If I'm able to catch the screening, there's a point in the film where, like clockwork, a portion of the audience gets really emotional and begins to cry. And that's very difficult to make happen.

I've noticed that sometimes when you keep things a little smaller, it's easier to focus on the creative aspects of what you're doing.

I remember when I was a kid looking at different types of film and really examining the grains of them. I remember even looking at the ink streaks.

Anything that you [as an actor] can change about yourself for a part is helpful.

I needed to stay in the character.

I think it's very dangerous for an actor to take [shooting] too seriously because I think it could really damage you if you do that.

You always have nerves. And it's important to respect your nerves and your doubts. And then you have to ultimately overcome them.

So many of us have our asses watching stupid reality shows, desensitizing our brains. Like, "Wow, isn't that dumb, but I'm so entertained right now! That's the stupidest thing I've seen in my life - give me more of it!" It's not good.

I want my audience to say, "Wow, this is a film I'm benefiting from. I'm benefiting from what this filmmaker is trying to say." I'd always rather learn and be entertained than be entertained and feel myself getting dumber by the moment.

I think my audience is smart. If there's a way to be entertained and get things out - real things, not stupid moral crap - that's the best.

I'm really, really blessed. Not only am I blessed to have found that I love making films, but I'm also insanely blessed to be able to do it. I have to remind myself that when I'm complaining.

I'm not really equipped to do anything else but making movies. In every other aspect of my life I'm a total failure.

Now is a very interesting time because of the digital cameras, and the fact that you can edit anywhere. It's a great time to be a filmmaker, is a great time to be starting off.

I'm always trying to work on scripts. I'm pretty selective. Sometimes maybe too much because I'm broke .

I was about to move out of my apartment because I was so broke. I'd sort of made a pact with myself that I wouldn't take a job unless it was interesting to me, and I became broke very fast.

I've worked with a lot great directors who have huge resumes, but I'm really trying to be active in my career in supporting the new generation of cinema. I like taking some time to try to support and be a part of that.

I saw the main character played by Mads Mikkelsen, and he's amazing. Hannibal had that going for it.