Most filmmakers can't afford to try something out that doesn't work.

So much of the art of film is to do less. To aspire to do less.

The essence of cinema is editing.

We were raised in an Italian-American household, although we didn't speak Italian in the house. We were very proud of being Italian, and had Italian music, ate Italian food.

I was never sloppy with other people's money. Only my own. Because I figure, well, you can be.

When you make a film it is like asking yourself a question. When it is finished, you know the answer. Ultimately with all of cinema, we are just trying to learn about ourselves. I have always used the opportunity to make a film to learn more about myself, which I am still doing.

They needed someone to write a script of The Great Gatsby very quickly for the movie they were making. I took this job so I'd be sure to have some dough to support my family.