In this country, particularly, actually in times that are difficult, or from corners of America where you least expect it, unbelievable pure creativity has welled up. Generally because of the cross-fertilization... a Scott Joplin tune becomes jazz, becomes blues, and becomes rock 'n' roll.

Advice is a form of nostalgia.

The ugly duckling is a misunderstood universal myth. It's not about turning into a blonde Barbie doll or becoming what you dream of being; it's about self-revelation, becoming who you are.

Trust yourself that you can do it and get it

Why live life from dream to dream, and dread the day when dreaming ends.

The cold-audition process is not a science, so I ignore that.

I really believe musical form will go on. There's got to be a way of making musical form in cinema live again.