Film editing is now something almost everyone can do at a simple level and enjoy it, but to take it to a higher level requires the same dedication and persistence that any art form does.

Looking at a first assembly is kind of like looking at an overgrown garden. You can't just wade in with a weed whacker; you don't yet know where the stems of the flowers are.

By manipulating what you hear and how you hear it - and what other things you don't hear - you can not only help tell the story, you can help the audience get into the mind of the character.

The notion of directing a film is the invention of critics - the whole eloquence of cinema is achieved in the editing room.

Every film is a puzzle really, from an editorial point of view.

This applies to many film jobs, not just editing: half the job is doing the job, and the other half is finding ways to get along with people and tuning yourself in to the delicacy of the situation.

Writing is a process of discovery of what you really do know. You can't limit yourself in advance to what you know, because you don't know everything you know.

When I'm actually assembling a scene, I assemble it as a silent movie. Even if it's a dialog scene, I lip read what people are saying.

The word processor is a better tool than a quill pen because you can do so much more with it, but on the other hand, what you have to say and how you say it is the ultimate determination.

If you don't keep challenging your mind and your self, you're going to loose the ability to grow as a human being both physically and spiritually.

Better to have one woman on your side than ten men.

But here's the thing: what you do as a screenwriter is you sell your copyright. As a novelist, as a poet, as a playwright, you maintain your copyright.

Memorizing dialogue has always come easy and quickly to me. My wife Eileen is also very helpful. She gives me choices, and asks me questions, and runs my lines with me.

If we are the sum of everything that happens to us, to limit a person's experience is to limit their growth.

You never feel lonely if you're writing, because you're living with all these characters in your head.

Official truth is not actual truth.

While you live, while it is in your power, be good.

No regrets, none at all. My only regret is that we went out on penalties. That's my only regret but no, no regrets.