Some actors really like to do only a few, some like Casey [Affleck] will do as many takes as there is electrical power. At some point, you'll say, "Listen, I think it's really good." And he'll say, "You sure? You sure? There's not some other way we should try it?"

I was nearly a teen-ager before I stopped assuming that everyone I met was Jewish.

I've reached a new level of closeness with a new friend when I can make a joke at their expense. That's one of the great joys of life for me.

I actually think storyboards are great. I don't draw well enough to do them myself. I've only used storyboards a couple of times.

I often find myself writing about people taking care of each other, or trying to. And often seem to write about situations that are too big for the characters.

Filmmaking, like any other art, is a very profound means of human communication; beyond the professional pleasure of succeeding or the pain of failing, you do want your film to be seen, to communicate itself to other people.

I still haven't quite caught on to the idea of writing without dialogue. I like writing dialogue, and there's nothing wrong with dialogue in movies.