I never thought about that ever throughout the entire course of my career about choosing a specific role because it would make me seem more man-like.

There is a segment of the American population that has been excluded from the national myth, and that should be redressed.

I don't think movies can ever be too intense, but people have to understand why you're showing them the things you are showing them.

I think one of the privileges of being a filmmaker is the opportunity to remain a kind of perpetual student.

There is something universal in the theme of a man trying to save his family in the midst of the most terrible circumstances. It is not limited to Sierra Leone. This story could apply to any number of places where ordinary people have been caught up in political events beyond their control.

You do these movies, you give it out to the world and you really have no idea how people are going to react to you.

Sometimes when we weep in the movies we weep for ourselves or for a life unlived. Or we even go to the movies because we want to resist the emotion that's there in front of us. I think there is always a catharsis that I look for and that makes the movie experience worthwhile.