I'm a long time [Scott] Fitzgerald fan, as probably everyone in America is. And I've always been fascinated by that theme of, what is the price of the American dream and what parts of your soul do you walk away with? The conflict of art versus commerce was also very interesting to me.

I very comprehensively studied Irving Thalberg and his biographies. He's who [Scott] Fitzgerald roughly modeled the character after. He worked for him, as a writer, when he was at MGM. And, of course, I revisited the novel and the politics of MGM and the studio system at the time and familiarized myself with the world. There was a great deal of physical and literary work that went into it.

I like characters with flaws, who have shadow.

I lived in several hotels, yeah. You have to try to make it home.

If you don't like Superman, something's wrong with you!

Look, none of the artists who I admire or respect have ever shied away from a role because it might make them unpopular with somebody.

I think every guy and girl would love to get to play Superman, at some point in their life.