The creation of the island, or the impression of the island, as it changes in the mind of the character also came in to play... there was another very important collaborator, Rob Legato, on special visual effects. And then ultimately there's Thelma Schoonmaker, who keeps me focused during the editing of the picture.

I'm going to be 60, and I'm almost used to myself.

Working with HBO was an opportunity to experience creative freedom and 'long-form development' that filmmakers didn't have a chance to do before the emergence of shows like 'The Sopranos.'

I was saying as a joke the other day that I love film editing, I know how to cut a picture, I think I know how to shoot it, but I don't know how to light it. And I realize it's because I didn't grow up with light. I grew up in tenements.

If everything moves along and there are no major catastrophes we're basically headed towards holograms.

Eradicating a religion of kindness is, I think, a terrible thing for the Chinese to attempt.

Every scene is a lesson. Every shot is a school. Let the learning continue.