When I do a novel, I don't really use the script, I use the book; when I did Apocalypse Now, I used Heart of Darkness. Novels usually have so much rich material.

I thought I wanted to be a playwright because I was interested in stories and telling stories.

I was the kind of kid that had some talents or ability, but it never came out in school.

When I do a novel, I don't really use the script, I use the book; when I did Apocalypse Now, I used Heart of Darkness. Novels usually have so much rich material.

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.

My film is not a movie; it's not about Vietnam. It is Vietnam.

I had a number of teachers who hated me. I didn't do well in school.