My point is not to take a character and cast it in a way that the character will become absolutely clear and deliver a signal that’ll be perceptible for everybody. I am more in the business of stirring up doubts and questions, and have always from the very beginning, I’ve always refused to let the spectator leave the theater absolutely confirmed about something. For me, the ideal spectator is the one who is leaving the theater with more questions than he came in with. Since I’m pretty confused myself, I don’t see why my spectator shouldn’t be as confused as I am.

—Louis Malle