I think that's what distinguishes Schmidt, really. In the movies now, so much of what is appealing to an audience is the dramatic or has to do with science fiction, and Schmidt is simply human. There's no melodrama; there's no device, It's just about a human being.

Through all permutations and youthful poetry, I came to believe that the film actor was the great "literateur" of his time.

I guess this proves there are as many nuts in the Academy as anywhere else.

There was a period when I just wanted to make what I wanted to make and I didn't care what lie I had to tell.

There were points in my life where I felt oddly irresistible to women. I'm not in that state now and that makes me sad.

I've always fought against being controlled and manipulated and stomped upon by circumstances.

I mean, it's real hard to be free when you are bought and sold in the marketplace. Of course, don't ever tell anybody that they're not free, 'cause then they're gonna get real busy killin' and maimin' to prove to you that they are. Oh yeah, they're gonna talk to you and talk to you and talk to you about individual freedom. But they see a free individual, it's gonna scare 'em.