I'm not going to spend two years on a film or four years on an opera if I don't feel like I can put my own self into it. That doesn't mean it has to be about myself.

People have become so literal because they're used to reality-based television.

I love directing Shakespeare on film. It's fantastic that the actors would do exactly the same thing and be true to their part.

Learning is about much more than science and math. Doing theater, music, and art in school really helps children's minds grow because they're using different parts of their brains. Parents who care should insist on that.

I've had male executives say that my lead character was unlikable because she slept with a lot of guys.

Limitations force you to find the essence of what you want to say, which is one of the most important things to know for an artist.

Americans are attracted to the dark side. But which movies should be allowed to be violent and show that dark side, and which should not? I don't believe in censorship, but I do think there are horrible movies that are bad for you.