Cary Fukunaga Quotes

I always think that the deal, once I do the script, sort of the experience I go through writing, which is everything you can imagine, but I always think it's the one thing I can do when I'm directing is say is that it's all about the actors, that I can say, 'We're all here to serve the actors.'

Honestly, one of my favorite things about a director is when they understand what an actor brings to their role.

There are times when you're working with film people when you have to say, 'If the camera were on you, what you're doing would be perfect'.

I think a good director casts a film so that the actors bring a lot to the table.

Directing is a tremendous art.

When I do a movie, I have the script. I know how it begins and how it ends. I know what my character does and where he's going. If I have ideas I want to express or changes I want to make, there's one guy: the director. It's different in television.

It's not easy to act, but to direct to act. It goes form one place to the next. It's not heading for the punchline, and also it's not about scoring goals. It's about passing the ball, and the goals will come by themselves.

When you are acting, you are just one piece of the puzzle. You don't see how everything fits together. It feels like you have less authorship over the entire product. In directing, you take the entire picture into account, so you're challenged in a different way.

I try to create an environment where, when we step onto the set, we're all in character.

When you work with directors who really love actors, who love their contribution, it feels amazing. But sometimes when you work with directors, you feel like you're in the way.

Being on a Paul Thomas Anderson film, the best decision an actor can make is to listen to Paul Thomas Anderson. Because he's probably not going to steer anyone in the wrong direction. I would always say go with your gut on any other movie set, but with Paul, I would say go with Paul's gut.

An actor's job is about putting across the author's intention; I don't think of myself on the same level as a creator.

I really think the key to a film is the chemistry of people.

A script is only as good as the director who's making it.

As a director, it is important to understand the actor's process.

There is no sense in doing a wonderful script with somebody who can't direct because that is a disaster.

Acting is the work of two people - it's only possible when you have the complicity, the help, even the manipulation of a director.

The first work of the director is to set a mood so that the actor's work can take place, so that the actor can create. And in order to do that, you have to communicate, communicate with the actors. And direction is about communication on all levels.

As a director, you have to understand what is happening - if I don't understand it, you can't make changes.

When you're a director, you really live whatever you do.

Casting a film, you can have the greatest actors in a film and it doesn't work. It's a combination of all of the elements.

Directing, I get all kinds of inspiration. It's working with people. It's a lot more fun.

It's the director's job to piece together my performance, his interpretation of my takes, each take, and string them together and make a statement. I'm red paint on a canvas for a painter.

With acting, there's a certain amount of independence you have within the framework of the storytelling. When it's done well, it's a collaborative medium.

It's great, getting the scripts and working with somebody like Sam Esmail, who is such a great leader.