And I think one way or another it's evident to those who work with me that as a writer, a director, a friend, as somebody's there that's very anxious to get the movie made.

Good dialogue illuminates what people are not saying

In dramatic writing, the very essence is character change. The character at the end is not the same as he was at the beginning. He's changed-psychologically, maybe even physically.

The straight roads are the roads of progress, the crooked roads are thee roads of genius.

You're dumber than you think I think you are.

Either you bring the water to L.A. or you bring L.A. to the water.

I'm not in business to be loved, but I am in business.

Finally, Colin Farrell showed up on my doorstep, only he wasn't Colin Farrell - he was just this Irish kid who had read the script and wanted to do it.

Larry Grobel senses there are no answers in life, only questions. Good ones.

But time has caught up with it and I think vindicated it. Shampoo, too: very dark, very ambitious movie.

I'm not supposed to be the one that's caught with his pants down.

The big “WHEN” about change is not just a particular moment, but a thought-out planning with clear defined timelines.

Our happiness in this world depends on the affections we are able to inspire.

We need an investigation, because we don't know what Donald Trump owes Russia. We don't know how many Russian oligarchs have invested in his business.

I've done a lot of growing up and realized a lot of things.

I watched all the Saw movies. They were good. But I think Freddie Krueger or Jason might be the best.

He (God) never comes to those who do not wait.

It is a great mistake to say that the Chinese are not hospitable. A more graceful, hearty hospitality than that of the Chinese I have met in no land.

Only we big sinners have this grace of knowing what salvation really means.

In my old age there is a coming into flower. My body wanes; my mind waxes.