I never work just to work. It's some combination of laziness and self-respect.

As an actor, you're completely at the mercy of other people. You basically go begging for the opportunity to work. As a writer, at least nobody can tell me what to do. I can write what I want. I might not sell it, but at least I'm in control.

You can't not have feelings about country clubs, whichever side you're on.

Find the most talented person in the room and if it's not you, go stand next to him. Hang out with him. try to be helpful.

My only conclusion about structure is that nothing works if you don't have interesting characters and a good story to tell.

We tell our kids that policemen are good and God protects us and our country is noble, and at a certain point - and for some it comes quite early, five or six years old - we start to realize that it's all a facade.

Chicago still remains a Mecca of the Midwest - people from both coasts are kind of amazed how good life is in Chicago, and what a good culture we've got. You can have a pretty wonderful artistic life and never leave Chicago.