There are directors who, their direction is high, but then when you challenge it, it crumbles. They can't back up what they're asking.

I think in some ways you learn more from the things you don't like than the things you do.

Acting is really scary, but it's also challenging, fun, hard work. There's always an element of improvisation with every actor, even when something is really scripted.

It sounds cliche, but success is your friends, your family, what you do, and if you're happy when you wake up.

When actors give their input, it can be very ego-driven, and directors are scared of that.

I think Van Sant is the most important American director we have. He takes the most risks. He's just pure to me.

I'm not really equipped to do anything else but making movies. In every other aspect of my life I'm a total failure.

I feel that film, as opposed to theatre, is about capturing that one, real moment.

I saw the main character played by Mads Mikkelsen, and he's amazing. Hannibal had that going for it.

I have fun making films. I love making films. It's the only thing I know how to do. And I do it well.

Right now is a very interesting time because of the digital cameras, and the fact that you can edit anywhere. It's a great time to be a filmmaker, is a great time to be starting off.

No human being really has any misery. It is your own mistake if you complain of the misery.

I would never have gone anywhere if it hadn't been for Mother's faith and support.

Why give up before we try?

I was so deeply involved in music, I had already outgrown all the pressure of high school cliques and gossip.

Grief for a dead Wife, and a troublesome Guest, Continues to the threshold, and there is at rest; But I mean such wives as are none of the best

I fell asleep watching the country music channel and woke up racist.

The seizure of passionate love can be, in such a context, only illicit, breaking in upon the order of one's dutiful life in virtue as a devastating storm.

He who never hurries is always on time.

It is worth emphasizing that Iran released our hostages in 1981 the day Ronald Reagan was sworn into office.

Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis. When I was dead broke, man, I couldn't picture this.