Passion requires focused direction, and that direction must come from three other areas: your purpose, your talents, and your needs.
You want to be as smart as you can about being stupid.
I've been accused of vulgarity. I say that's bullshit.
I don't think in terms of results at all. I think: what next insanity can I shock the world with?
Bad taste is simply saying the truth before it should be said.
The audience. They see the name Mel Brooks, they want something really funny. They don't want to be moved; they don't want to be taught any lessons. [. . . ] I get more letters for Twelve Chairs and Life Stinks than I get from any other movies, because people actually agree with the philosophy, or were moved, or they love the movie.
I don't know what to say so I'll just say what's in my heart. . . badoom, badoom, badoom.
The gods know what's important, what's wrong about you. They know everything. If you go out searching for the Holy Grail, they won't let you find it.
If there's one thing I really love. . . it's sad music.
By painting colors and lines and forms seen in quickened mood I was seeking to make this mood vibrate as a phonograph does. This was the origin of the paintings in The Frieze of Life.
Don't frown beautiful, you fascinate me.