Now more than ever we need to talk to each other, to listen to each other and understand how we see the world, and cinema is the best medium for doing this.

Well the thing is that the New York of 1846 to 1862 was very different from downtown New York now. Really nothing from that period still exists in New York.

I also saw the Dalai Lama a few times.

I do know that some Buddhists are able to attain peace of mind.

I'm obsessed with New York. I just find it so remarkable. You really treasure this city when you go to different countries and you see that there is no mix. When you get back to the city, it's such an exciting place.

Film in the 20th century, it's the American art form, like jazz.

It's interesting that these themes of crime and political corruption are always relevant.