Quotes from F. Murray Abraham

There are real tricks to getting a job that I just don't like or understand - it feels too close to pandering. I've tried it, but it doesn't work.

With Connery, he does act. He is in complete command. He completely trusts the person first, then the instrument. I've worked with his son also, on a picture in Russia.

I have two brothers buried in the military cemetery in Texas. I don't want to see any more of that.

If these men decided that they have to go in there and fight, I want them to send their own children and grandchildren. I want them to not send a bunch of strangers' kids in there to fight and die.

People desire power. I don't know why they want it so. It seems to me it implies a hugely superior intellect which separates them from most of the populace.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, I don't know if you'd call him a great actor, but he's amazing in terms of his presence, and he is interesting enough that you want to watch him.

The idea that you can make love and not war really is pretty neat. That thing in Korea, the thing in Israel - that's all over the world. There must be a new way of thinking.

Once I looked into a mirror at my face I felt like it was completely convincing. I was Salieri.

I like to teach. And when I spot talent without ambition, it makes me angry. I give students short shrift if they're not willing to do the work. Relying on talent is not enough.

There are certain men and women who, from the minute they step in front of a camera, that's exactly where they belong. Connery's one.

As much preparation as I had made for the old man Salieri, gestures and so on, the fact is after sitting for hours, your movements are kind of slow.

Woody Allen sets are very quiet. Extraordinary sense of power from a man who doesn't do anything except just stand there.

I always play these bad guys, and I'm really a nice guy.

The only reason I signed on for a speech and drama course was because I thought it would be easy, but as soon as I stepped on the stage, I thought, 'This is exactly where I belong.'

I really like to experiment. That's the only way I can work. It's instinctive.

All the stuff that you visualized that was going to work so beautifully, you discover is trashed, so you jump to something else.

My Oscar has appeared in every play I've done since - not in view of the audience, but for my colleagues to enjoy.

I acted my heart out.

I'd like President Bush to think maybe there's another way to think, that maybe Kissinger was wrong when he says we had to go in there because he was wrong about Vietnam.

Milos said, You're my first choice. From my point of view, that doesn't pay the rent. I said, Tell me what I have to do next because I'm busy painting my kitchen.

I'm a comedian at heart, and I really can make people laugh, but ever since 'Amadeus,' all I seem to do is play dramatic roles and villains.