Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro: (when asked about the research he had done prior to directing "The Good Shepherd") I read material and talked to people and spent time with ex-agents. We had Milt Bearden, who was our technical consultant. He was at the CIA for 30 years. He was very, very helpful. I'd say, I need something for this scene that will help make it a little more specific and not so general - details of something. When the hair falls out of the book [indicating it had been opened], that was Milt.

Robert De Niro: (when asked about refusing the lead role in "The Last Temptation of Christ") I just didn't want to do it. Marty and I talked about it. We do things with each other because we like to work together, but also for our separate reasons. I have mine as an actor, he has his as a director. That's the best way.

Robert De Niro: (discussing his instinctive directing technique) I've been in so many movies that I automatically know what's happening on the set. Things that I don't even remember consciously I just know, and I suppose that has an influence on how I work with actors and everybody because I'm so familiar with all this stuff.