But I don't really see myself as a role model. I'm not a dictator, or someone who wants to be adored!

My father used to say that you could only access culture before cinema by learning to read and write, but that once cinema was invented, knowledge was available to anybody.

Adoption has the dimension of connection - not only to your own tribe, but beyond, widening the scope of what constitutes love, ties and family. It is a larger embrace. By adopting, we stretch past our immediate circles and, by reaching out, find an unexpected sense of belonging with others.

I don't think a Hollywood actor is safe from acting in the rain: it all depends on the film.

Although Dorothy in Blue Velvet was humiliated and hurt by men, basically I could react to how she felt.

In America, they are paranoid about ruining the reputations of people once they are dead and cannot answer back. They have this fascination which to me seems cruel and morbid. I do not want any part of it

I have the most fun writing and directing. And I always choose myself as the lead actor.