The easiest time to be funny is during a fairly serious situation. That way you can break the ice.

All you can really do as director is sort of set a tone.

As far as how much you listen to the audience, you listen to them when they really hate something.

Every time a congressman or pundit says its 'class warfare' to increase taxes on the wealthy, it's a massive lie.

The one thing for sure is, I don't ever want to waste a movie. I don't ever want to waste effort.

I always give myself a little part in every movie.

In general, the final filter of Hollywood is for-profit. Nothing goes through unless it can make money.