Obviously, a power player in a criminal organization doesnt have to persuade anyone. He can just do what he wants.

I imagine that in a closed, hermetic society like the mob, where everybody knows each other, it must be really, really unpleasant to have to kill people. It's the sort of thing you really want to avoid.

It's very difficult to lie to yourself about certain things. I'm not necessarily convinced about how information is gathered and I don't think the credence that's given to it is valid.

I'm sure part of the fascination with the film is voyeuristic - that we go to see somebody who's been struck by lightning.

I like test screenings. I like to see a movie with an audience of strangers. I think it tells you a lot.

Jesse James is like a Leonard Cohen song, I wanted to do something that was like a pop song.

The crime film is the most honest American film.