What's the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good director?


Cunning and practicality. You have to know how to turn your shortcomings into virtues.

First and last cinematographic crush?

My first cinematographic crush was ‘Otto e mezzo' (1963, Federico Fellini). My latest one, ‘The Turin Horse’ (2011, Bela Tarr).

How old you were when you decided you wanted to be a 
director?

I remember that after watching 'Mulholland Drive' (2001) by David Lynch, I thought it would be interesting to make a film one day. I was 24 years old.

For you a Film is... 

A transparent representation of the unconscious part of our mind. 


What do you feel when you're directing?


When I'm directing, I don't feel anything. I just think where is the best place to put the camera and what should I say to the actors so as not to confuse them.

You can go to the Movies with a director that you love. 

What kind of movie do you choose and with who you're gonna whatch it?


I think I would go to watch ‘Carnival of Souls’ (1962, Herk Harvey) with David Lynch.

Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think 
about it?

Celebrities are usually kind and always want to make common people believe that can be famous if they fight and don't lose faith. I'm not a celebrity but I don't want to be unkind, so I agree with Audrey Hepburn and proclaim like her that "nothing is impossible".



Can you live just of your passion?

More or less. I am a person with an austere life. Otherwise...



What's more important talent or luck?

If you just want to be recognized, the important thing is luck. If you want to be a genuine artist, the important thing is to develop your talent or your obsessions.



You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie...


I would bring with me ‘Sátántangó’ (1994) by Bela Tarr.

Have you ever accepted a movie to direct  even if you didn't like the project?


No. I am lucky to direct the movies I want and to have a wonderful team of actresses.

What's the best compliment you have received about your job?


The best compliment I have received was in Porto. A young filmmaker told me: "I don't understand your shortfilm but I would have liked to make it."

Are you satisfied about your career?


I am satisfied to be never satisfied.

Do you have a good luck charm?


My wife and my team.

Which is the worst moment on set?


When I notice that my actors don't enjoy by filming something.

How do you feel when a job you've been part of it's ending?

I always feel dissatisfied because I have the impression of not finishing what I start, but of abandoning it. But I need to start new projects so I don't go crazy.


Have you ever lied to get a job?


I have never lied to get a job. I only lie to myself to keep believing in myself enough.

If you should win an Oscar your first taught would go to…

I will never win an Oscar, but I do not care about it. I am satisfied with continuing to make the films that I like.