The first assistant director is just so important that the choice of that person is critical to the movie.

I think I've made some pretty decent films in the '80s and '90s.

First, speaking for myself, I don't want to ever be in a position where I'm telling other directors how to make movies, because I don't think it's any of my business.

Historically the director has been the key creative element in a film and we must maintain that. We must protect that, in spite of the fact that there is new technology that's continually trying to erode that.

The first assistant director is just so important that the choice of that person is critical to the movie.

I have gotten to a point in my life where I don't want to have dinner with someone I don't like.

So I've had really great assistant directors for my last seven movies.