I just happen to think people are better off doing something they actually like.

I like doing things that scare me. I went bungee jumping, but sky diving is just the sickest thing.

School, I never truly got the knack of. I could never focus on things I didn't want to learn.

When I was eighteen, River Phoenix was far and away my hero. Think of all those early great performances - My Own Private Idaho. Stand by Me. I always wanted to meet him. One night, I was at this Halloween party, and he passed me. He was beyond pale - he looked white. Before I got a chance to say hello, he was gone, driving off to the Viper Room, where he fell over and died. That's a lesson.

If you're gonna let the character be the story, you better set a tone that allows the actors to do the best work they can do.

People always ask, 'Was it fun? Was it fun working on a movie?' I don't know if that's the operative word. It is challenging and interesting and all those other things, but fun isn't always.

I touched emotions I've never tapped in my entire life. I've heard people say, 'I hope this movie doesn't glamorise drugs.