Barry Levinson Quotes

Everyone should see Hollywood once, I think, through the eyes of a teenage girl who has just passed a screen test.

I worked on a film short with Frank Sinatra when I was a kid.

I've never really had a relationship with Hollywood. I've never had a desire to work there.

When I first came to Hollywood, I used to dream of doing films and escaping television.

The big business, Hollywood? I don't really work in that business. I peripherally work in it, but I'm not involved in it the way some people are.

I'm not in Hollywood because I'm good at math.

Can't step from one movie set to the next. Only Samuel L. Jackson can do that. All us mere mortals can't do that!

I have just been working with Maggie Gyllenhaal, who is also a mum, on a movie called 'Hysteria.' She is everywhere because of the nature of film work. Not that I'm name dropping or anything like that. I have to pinch myself when I remember who I've been working with.

I would like to have a movie under my own control sometime, and see what could be done with it. Who knows? Maybe Hollywood will make an improvisational movie someday.

Hollywood held this double lure for me, tremendous sums of money for work that required no more effort than a game of pinochle.

It's so crazy in Hollywood.

Hollywood is a fast-paced, competitive world.

My father was so in love with showbiz, all the different aspects - what we're doing here, making the movies, everything about it.

Well, I'd love to work with Kate Winslet - she's amazing.

I grew up in Hollywood. Saying my name here is like mentioning Ford in Detroit.

Hollywood hasn't aggressively pursued me. Neither have I aggressively pursued Hollywood.

I guess I feel like it's a gift to meet those talented artists like George Lucas and Oliver Stone, Spike Lee and Richard Kelly. Even if it's a small role, it's a gift to be working that closely with them.

I've got no anti-America or anti-Hollywood kick, it's just that I never wanted to go and kick my heels around L.A. for six months hoping something would happen.

I did 'Celebrity' by Woody Allen. I did 'The Gingerbread Man' with Robert Altman. These were big talents.

Well, there's different shades of Hollywood, sure. I mean, I'm working in this business but I'm not Hollywood.

I'd be lying if I said Hollywood wasn't still an ambition; it's everyone's, isn't it? You're getting paid very well, you're working with great actors and great directors - who wouldn't want to be a part of that? But it's not going to break my heart if it doesn't happen. This business is about doing good work rather than how famous it makes you.

Hollywood has a way of sucking the world's talent to it.

I definitely want to do movies and stuff.

It goes back to all of us wanting to be in Hollywood. We're all dying to win an Oscar.

As far as the filmmaking process is concerned, stars are essentially worthless - and absolutely essential.