My films do have characters who have trouble escaping the world around them.

I got to work with my wife, Lena Olin, for the first time, which was great. I thought it might be difficult in some way to talk to one's wife in a different way but it was so not forced.

My key interest in choosing scripts is character-driven stories, because there are so many stories that sacrifice character for plot.

It was important on The Shipping News to have my house far enough away from each location so I had this time in the morning to think about my shots and still remain open to surprises once I got to the set.

But I notice that there is a lack of darkness in my movies and I don't know where that comes from.

I really want to have actors contribute their own ideas, with phrasings and ideas on all levels.

A film that is bleached tends to have a more realistic quality.