“River was always doing things like saying, ‘I just love you,’ and lunging to hug me, I’d freeze, maybe because my father used to grab my knee in a certain way. River didn’t like that, so he’d hug me again, and I’d freeze again, and he’d yell at me.” - Gus Van Sant

“When he was being aloof I’d impulsively try to trap him in an emotional gesture by hugging him, and he’d flip out of my arms, ten minutes later he’d sneak up and hug me from behind. He wanted it to be his spontaneity, and more creative—he’d sidewind you, but you would consider yourself hugged.” - Alan Moyle