James Caan Quotes

In a collaborative environment directors hire actors because they want their input, not just their bodies.

I always try to develop a good relationship with the director on any film and make sure that we want the same things and we're talking about the same ideas, and that gives me great protection.

Movies are a team sport now, and I want to play singles.

I mean, I'm willing to do anything with Chris Chulack - he's one of my favorite directors I've ever worked with, and I just think he's a fantastic man, and a great creator, and a good friend.

In every shoot, between the actor and the director there is manipulation. I'm not saying that negatively. It's healthy.

I've definitely become more aware and conscious of what directors I'm working with because it's so important. The director is really more than half the battle of the film. You really rely on that. That's become really, really important to me, for sure.

Film's hard when you don't have any relationship with the director at all and you just show up. Then you really are just a gun for hire.

For 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona,' for example, Woody Allen is one of the greatest American directors, and we really had a very good working relationship. We understand each other really well. He gave me one of the best opportunities somebody has ever given me in my career.

You don't have to like an actor to do a scene with him. You don't have to like a director. But it's just better if you do. And I think, you know, you've got to begin that with respect.

If I'm going to produce something, it's going to be with somebody I think is special. Once I go beyond a handful of directors, like Scorsese, there are very few I want to work with.

I see my actors as my collaborators.

I wanted to collaborate with someone, but it had to be someone I could work with and who wouldn't disrespect my past.

I'd like to be a director who gives my actors complete freedom while collaborating with them to find performances.

Usually, with me, the project is always the second thing. The film-maker comes first. Films grow out of the relationship.

I worked with Mike Nichols. First time I worked with Mike Nichols, I just really loved this man.

F. Gary Gray, I think, is one of the best directors I've ever worked with in my life, and I'd love to work with him again.

I say yes to everything if I like the overall thing that's being put out there. I'll do anything with David Wain.

Sometimes when an actor and director work together for the first time, it's not as if there's a suspicion, but there is tentativeness, a certain amount of a right of passage you have to go through in order to get there. When it's already there from the beginning, it's such a plus.

It's important that the director and actor have good chemistry, and not just the actors.

I've been very fortunate to work with a lot of directors who understand that actors need to feel empowered in order to really do their job.

In 'Stree', I had a great time working with the whole team and Dinu, being the producer and one of the most important people. And now we are doing another film together, and I'm sure there will be a couple of more films in the future.

I love working with women directors because of their emotional functionality and can undeniably connect with them on a fairly personal level.

At first, I was worried sharing screen with an actor like Nawazuddin Siddiqui, because he is a remarkable actor and an outstanding person.

I can only go with my gut and say what I would like to do, and then my producer comes in and makes it happen.

All great directors or anyone who has a strong vision like Scorsese needs to have a lot of support around them. I think from the very beginning - when we met each other - he realised he could trust me to do what was right for his movies.