“The Sand Pebbles has always been one of my favorite films, I suppose because its the most difficult film - from a physical and logistical standpoint - that I've ever made.”
“Some of the more esoteric critics claim that there's no Robert Wise style or stamp. My answer to that is that I've tried to approach each genre in a cinematic style that I think is right for that genre. I wouldn't have approached 'The Sound of Music' the way I approached 'I Want to Live!' for anything, and that accounts for a mix of styles.”
“His mood in the morning depended on what went on at home, but I never met an actor quite like him, ... He knew exactly what worked for him on screen and knew what he could get away with.”
“He was a little of both. I didn't know much in those days, because it was only my third film. I was learning on my feet and he taught me a great deal. He was very open to actors' suggestions and he used whatever spontaneous thoughts or suggestions we might have, if they suited his purpose. He was a firm, but gentle leader.”
