I always thought it would never happen. And then, it became possible. In between commissions, I wrote it as an original screenplay [Allied].

The story [of Allied] stayed with me, like a stray dog outside the office, waiting.

I think that helps because there has been no formality of friendship, the politeness of friendship, so we can just work directly on the work that's ahead of us [with Tom Hardey].

If you've read something brilliant, it's good. It's good to look out the window and see what's going on in the world.

True stories are always good because they're so odd, and so unlikely.

In terms of how [Allied] looks, it's fantastic and much better than I had hoped because it's so lush and so beautifully executed.

It's always good to have a world that people don't know about - a world that hasn't yet been done. It's like treading on fresh snow. You're the first one there.

No screenplay is possible, unless you get some attachment from somebody who's going to get it made.

Sometimes you take something because it's an offer and it's big and it's good money and you have to absolutely respect that process, because it's not easier.

I've realized that the only thing I'm interested in is the performance. If the performance is right, then I'm happy. You offer up the dialogue and then the performance comes around.

There's lots of different ways of writing stuff and lots of different mindsets to have, but I think when it's your own creation, it's more pleasurable because you have total control.

If you stay determined, the obstacles cannot stop your progress. You will triumph over every mountain.

But I must warn you, Miss Hathaway ... life has a way of fouling up our plans. I speak from experience.

If you want to be unique.Just be yourself.

I think in defeat you grope for things that are happy, and it's hard.

Real strength never impairs beauty or harmony, but it often bestows it, and in everything imposingly beautiful, strength has much to do with the magic.

All history is nothing but a continuous transformation of human nature.

I'm not scared of very much. I've been hit by lightning and been in the Marine Corps for four years.

Even though I loved to write, I never liked English lit. class very much. I think it ruins books when you dissect them too much. I liked my art classes best.

Be not too hasty either with praise or blame; speak always as though you were giving evidence before the judgement-seat of the Gods.

It's just life, so keep dancing through.