Well, I certainly was exposed to and learned to appreciate the work of great directors early on. As a kid, my mother used to take me to see really interesting arty films in Los Angeles.

I'd prefer not to act in the film I'm directing. I think, though, as an actor, you do learn how to turn things on and off quickly and kind of compartmentalize. You learn to accommodate the camera and the other actors, to notice where the boom is and where you mark is, and be able to repeat something a few times.

There is no direct evidence, so how could you ask me to believe in God.

You hold all of our futures in your hands. So you better make it good.

I love more than anything looking at a movie scene by scene and seeing the intention behind it.

There is nothing in this world that I am prouder of than my ability to feel, to survive and, yes, to be a fool for what I love and believe in.

Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock do romantic comedies. I do dark dramas. I do these movies well.