Conflict is the basis of drama. I guess that goes back as long as time has existed as far as mankind is concerned, dating back to the Greek tragedies or the Old Testament. And violence is a form of conflict, so whether that's catharsis or whether that has some socially damaging effect on audiences - I suppose that would just depend.

I would like to be interpreted as a liberal libertarian, like leave everybody alone and let them do their own thing.

When you're making a movie, you can't think anybody will ever see it. You've just got to make a movie for the values it has. The greatest films were made because someone really wanted to make them. And, hopefully, the audience will show up, too.

We are like boxers, one never knows how much longer one has

You have to steal a lot. You have to have a criminal mentality to be a film director.

I guess any movie actor can become a role model for audiences out there who enjoy him.

I guess a great movie would be one that has the most great moments in it.