Taylor Hackford actor

I'm not in front of the camera, they are. I encourage them; I build up as much of their confidence a...Show more »

I'm not in front of the camera, they are. I encourage them; I build up as much of their confidence and ego as possible. They've got to take control; I can't act it out. Show less «

My creative partner is a writer, and he's got an executive producing credit on this film. We've made...Show more »

My creative partner is a writer, and he's got an executive producing credit on this film. We've made three films together and I would never underestimate the impact of a writer. Show less «

Music has always been an important thing to me in my life and understand I've worked in the music bu...Show more »

Music has always been an important thing to me in my life and understand I've worked in the music business. Show less «

We all get paid very, very well, and we have responsibilities.

I also know what looks good before the camera, how to move the camera, and how to get a story on the...Show more »

I also know what looks good before the camera, how to move the camera, and how to get a story on the screen. Show less «

But a writer's contribution is literary and a film is not literary. When you take that stuff off the...Show more »

But a writer's contribution is literary and a film is not literary. When you take that stuff off the page, and cast the people who are going to fit into those roles, that's what being a director is. Show less «

The SAS is the most elite of the special forces in the world. They are not people who go out and adv...Show more »

The SAS is the most elite of the special forces in the world. They are not people who go out and advertise; they keep it inside. They don't want anybody to know about them. Show less «

Because when you have millions of people with this kind of need for gratification, and the culture i...Show more »

Because when you have millions of people with this kind of need for gratification, and the culture is saying that it's possible for everyone to satisfy all of their needs and desires all of the time, there are obviously going to be clashes - clashes of ego. Show less «

And it's a question of how far we're willing to go in order to let the ego shine, in order to let th...Show more »

And it's a question of how far we're willing to go in order to let the ego shine, in order to let that beacon penetrate not only the local scene but the world. Show less «

It's very clearly stated in the film: You make your own choices, and what you're always fighting is ...Show more »

It's very clearly stated in the film: You make your own choices, and what you're always fighting is ego. Show less «

It's much easier to work with an unknown.

When I finish a film, I put it away and I never look at it again.

I make films about working class people.

In terms of input, I think that when the director gets involved, the script usually changes a bit. I...Show more »

In terms of input, I think that when the director gets involved, the script usually changes a bit. It's written from a particular point of view, and the director's the one to visualize it, interpret what the story is up on the screen. I just think that those people who say well, the script is incidental, its all my stamp and so forth, are full of baloney. Show less «

Ray Charles, in his own way, it's like at the beginning, Ray Charles changed American music, not onc...Show more »

Ray Charles, in his own way, it's like at the beginning, Ray Charles changed American music, not once but twice. Show less «

But, unfortunately, sometimes that affirmation creates a sense that you deserve special treatment an...Show more »

But, unfortunately, sometimes that affirmation creates a sense that you deserve special treatment and recognition in areas where you're not so talented. Show less «

Look at Walter Huston in The Devil and Daniel Webster: It's an incredible performance.

Russell Crowe is very difficult, but it's worth it. He's the real thing. I can tell you this. Russel...Show more »

Russell Crowe is very difficult, but it's worth it. He's the real thing. I can tell you this. Russell Crowe was just as difficult before he was an international star as he was afterwards. Show less «

If people are worried about the size of their trailers, I kind of say their priorities are off.

The director's job should give you a sense of music without drawing attention to itself.

You've got to respect the script's integrity. The changes you make should complement the project ins...Show more »

You've got to respect the script's integrity. The changes you make should complement the project instead of fighting it... the bottom line of any film is the script. Show less «

I really believe you can predict when someone has a great attitude, a real well of talent.

It isn't glamorous until after the film is finished, and you are at the premiere and getting your pi...Show more »

It isn't glamorous until after the film is finished, and you are at the premiere and getting your picture on the cover of magazines. Show less «

This devil loves mankind because men are going to always make the choice that will send him into asc...Show more »

This devil loves mankind because men are going to always make the choice that will send him into ascendancy. He's been winning the game for a long time. Show less «

But the process of making a film is not glamorous. Certainly not my films.

An actor has to embody a role.

It was the era of Tab Hunter and Rock Hudson; they all had a certain look.

Show business is one of those things that people can use to get themselves out of the lower rung of ...Show more »

Show business is one of those things that people can use to get themselves out of the lower rung of society. Show less «

I try to get the best performance an actor can give.

I feel very comfortable shooting music, and I think you can see that.

Well I don't think I've scored my life exclusively to Ray Charles.

You'd be surprised how many movie stars still care about the work.

The whole concept of the devil is a metaphor on one level.