If I'm going to act in someone's movie, I want the movie to be interesting and be able to get a couple of solid doubles.

I got so good at writing to a budget, my brain was restricting myself. I'd write, "It's a stormy night." Then I'd cross out stormy. I'd write: "It's a calm night." Then I'd cross out night. It's noon. Because you know how much night costs. You know how much rain costs. Nothing comes free in movies.

I cast unusual people in my movies.

I've always felt like I work in a small little area that doesn't represent anything like the rest of society.

When I went to acting school, the kids that got the best grades were the kids that could cry on cue. But it didn't really translate into careers for any of them, because the external is the easy part.

Fear is like a giant fog. It sits on your brain and blocks everything - real feelings, true happiness, real joy. They can't get through that fog. But you lift it, and buddy, you're in for the ride of your life.

In the beginning of any career, in every job, people are always forcing you to the middle.