We need storytelling. Otherwise life just goes on and on, like the number Pi.

With 3D you're right there immersed in the world.

I just did a dramatic love story. Whether it's a cultural phenomenon is not for me to say.

I basically made the movie from the crew's suggestions. For one scene, I wanted some kids' toys against the wall in Mikey's room, to give the scene texture, and we tried a field hockey stick. It looked really good to me, until someone had to say that in America, field hockey is more of a girl's game. Gradually I got tuned into the world - that happens on every movie.

My hometown was one of the major U.S. Air Force bases.

I'm a drifter and an outsider. There's not one single environment I can totally belong to.

Making a martial arts film in English to me is the same as John Wayne speaking Chinese in a western.