Biographie

He owns a movie theatre in Rome, "Cinema Nuovo Sacher", named after his favourite cake (sacher torte).

Has become one of the most radical opponents to Silvio Berlusconi's government and policy in Italy. Many people believe his movie Le caïman (2006), which is inspired by Berlusconi's figure, influenced the 2006 Italian general election.

Survived cancer.

Member of the jury at the Venice Film Festival in 1986.

Was considered for the role of Alexandre in Krzysztof Kieslowski's La double vie de Véronique (1991), but dropped out because of some health problems. The role eventually went to Philippe Volter.

Italian journalism is getting worse and worse. It is looking for sensationalism. I don't identify with the descriptions many journalists give of me, but never mind. For sure, I can't and don't want to be on TV every day to show that I am different from the character the journalists depict.

To make an autobiographical film is a way of revealing oneself. But it's also a way of hiding oneself.

[on religion] I remember the shirts that said 'Thank God I'm an atheist'. Funny. But I do not think so. I'm not a believer and I'm sorry.

Characters in my movies go through crises. Everybody in real life, and similarly movie characters, goes through crises. I am interested in describing those moments since they show one's true character; truth emerges during a crisis.

It's important to tell a story in a non-academic manner, to have a narrative which doesn't limit itself to fulfilling the basics: a narrative which, although familiar with the rules, can do without them. However, it is also important that it rings true within yourself, and also within what you are in the process of telling. You should never have a flat and ordinary relationship with the material you want to present.