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.

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

I think the film gives you a picture of a person. It gives you a complete picture.

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.

You obviously can't cast Brad [Pitt] as an everyman guy because he just brings way too much baggage.

I'm from the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" school of screenwriting. I just like to preserve what works and ignore what doesn't work.