The hardest thing for me to do, and the best thing I've done and learned as an actor is to sacrifice being funny in certain circumstances in order to do something that makes sense for the story or the character, or emotionally.

'Funny People' is my favorite performance of myself to date. Even though it's a comedy and there are serious moments, I really felt like Leo felt like a real person. It didn't feel like I was playing myself. Whether it's a comedy or drama, I just try to make it as realistic as possible.

When you create something you're free to explore it however you want to do it.

Every time you're directing a movie you're kind of building a temporary business. You're hiring all these heads of departments, and it definitely feels like I'm like a CEO of a very temporary company.

I really care about this stuff, I care about movies, and you just have to be strong and don't be stupid; freedom of choice is a big responsibility, and I'm lucky enough not to have to just take any movie to pay the rent, so there's no need to be greedy.

I am a filmmaker fanatic. I have never been star-struck by an actor once in my entire life.

If I ever over hear people saying I give off an 'Ed Harris type of sexy vibe.' I'll be pretty psyched.