I thought of myself as part of the general filmmaking effort. And as my scope broadened, I began to think about directing. I wanted to be the guy who got to say whether the dress is red or blue.

I assume most of the characters I play are exactly like me.

Have you ever danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight?

I was particularly proud of my performance as the Joker. I considered it a piece of pop art.

I learned a long time ago in Hollywood that the only person I should vote for is myself.

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.

I'm a scamp. I don't deny it. I like myself.