My father had this mythological sense of the old New York, and he used to tell me stories about these old gangs, particularly the Forty Thieves in the Fourth Ward.

When everything is added up, the frequent blows weighted against the sporadic triumphs, this is I have to say not just a vocation, it's a great gift. But you also know this, for your work, for your passion, every day is a rededication. Painters, dancers, actors, writers, filmmakers. It's the same for all of you, all of us. Every step is a first step. Every brush stroke is a test. Every scene is a lesson. Every shot is a school. So, let the learning continue.

I'm trying not to let the anger and the violence that erupt take over my life. I guess it comes with the growing process, I don't know. A little mellowing.

I prefer people who don't get caught, and if they do get caught, I prefer people who don't give in.

I grew up in the Lower East Side, an Italian American - more Sicilian, actually.

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

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