I like it when the deeper you go with the character, the more you see the layers start to peel away.

I had a huge advantage with Edward Norton because he's directed a movie before, so one thing he appreciates is how hard my job is, he's very sensitive to that. We actually ended up finishing "Leaves of Grass" a day early.

The Zionist Tulsa Jew who's pugnacious is a reality. I grew up around it. And I think it's really, really funny and surprising and unlikely.

Sometimes their oppression of emotion and the weird way it comes out is more interesting than painting it in bold primary colors.

When I think about directing a film, the thing that stops me short is wondering if I'm a natural at it the way I think you, and PTA, and Fincher are born directors. Maybe some people's talent is in understanding the ways that film communicates, without dialogue, without plot.

I never even considered comedy genre as something to embrace or move away from.

I'm not particularly precious about the theatrical experience any more.